Sources: Cavs trade Hunter for Schroder, Ellis

What’s Happening

Here’s the thing: The Cavaliers are trading De’Andre Hunter to the Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, sources told ESPN.

Sources: Cavs trade Hunter to Kings for Schroder, Ellis Shams Charania Jan 31, 2026, 11:01 PM ET Multiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis , sources told ESPN. The three-team deal includes the Chicago Bulls acquiring Kings forward Dario Saric and two future second-round picks, sources dropped. (let that sink in)

The Cavaliers turn Hunter’s salary slot into depth at point guard with Schroder and a top defender on the market with Ellis.

The Details

The Cavaliers also save about $50 million in salary and luxury tax bills this season because of the transaction and drop their tax bill from $164 million to $120 million, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Editor’s Picks Grades for the Cavs-Kings-Bulls trade: How Keon Ellis will help Cleveland Kevin Pelton Atkinson fined $50K for actions after ejection NBA trade deadline intel: League insiders on Bucks’ Giannis timeline, plans for East contenders Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst 2 Related This also positions Cleveland to get under the second apron next season.

3 million contract but is eligible to to a three-year, $52 million extension starting on Feb. Despite being an apron team next season, Cleveland can re-sign Ellis and exceed the threshold.

Why This Matters

In Hunter, 28, the Kings receive an established “3-and-D” wing under contract through next season. Hunter has averaged 14 points and 4. The trade also brings roster flexibility to the Kings, including space to convert two-way center Dylan Cardwell to a standard NBA deal.

Players and coaches will be watching how this unfolds closely.

Key Takeaways

• Cardwell has been a revelation for the Kings as an undrafted rookie, averaging 4.
• Saric is on an expiring contract worth $5.
• 4 million, which the Bulls will absorb, and they also net future assets to consummate the trade.
• The Bulls are waiving guard Jevon Carter to create space for Saric, sources dropped.

The Bottom Line

4 million, which the Bulls will absorb, and they also net future assets to consummate the trade. The Bulls are waiving guard Jevon Carter to create space for Saric, sources dropped.

Are you here for this or nah?