Cavs send Hunter to Kings in exchange for Schroder and Ellis
The Cleveland Cavaliers are sending De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, according to sources cited by ESPN.
The three-team transaction also involves the Chicago Bulls acquiring Kings forward Dario Saric along with two future second-round selections, sources indicated.
The Cavaliers are converting Hunter’s salary slot into two guards to enhance their depth at point guard with Schroder and to add a top defender in Ellis. This move also allows the Cavaliers to save approximately $50 million in salary and luxury tax obligations this season, reducing their tax bill from $164 million to $120 million, as reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
This strategy also positions Cleveland to come under the second apron next season. Ellis is currently on an expiring contract worth $2.3 million but is eligible for a potential three-year, $52 million extension starting on February 9. Even as an apron team next year, Cleveland can re-sign Ellis and exceed the threshold.
The Kings gain a proven ‘3-and-D’ wing in Hunter, who is 28 years old and has a contract through next season, averaging 14 points and 4.2 rebounds. This acquisition also provides the Kings with roster flexibility, including the ability to convert two-way center Dylan Cardwell to a standard NBA contract.
Cardwell has emerged as a standout for the Kings as an undrafted rookie, averaging 4.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 19.4 minutes per game.
Saric is on an expiring contract valued at $5.4 million, which the Bulls will take on while acquiring future assets to finalize the trade.
Schroder is averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 rebounds this season, marking his first year after signing a three-year contract with the Kings last summer. He is owed $14.1 million, $14.8 million, and $15.5 million over the final three years of his contract, with the last year being partially guaranteed.
Schroder and Tre Jones of Chicago are the only players this season averaging at least 10 points and 5 assists off the bench.
Ellis, who has an average of 5.6 points, is one of two players in the NBA averaging 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per 36 minutes this season, alongside Detroit’s Ausar Thompson. He will be eligible for an extension on February 9.
Sacramento will assume the $23.3 million and $24.9 million obligations in the final two years of Hunter’s contract.
