The Cleveland Cavaliers have obtained guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder from the Sacramento Kings as part of a three-team trade that sends forward DeAndre Hunter to Sacramento. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls will receive forward Dario Saric from the Kings along with two second-round draft picks, according to an individual familiar with the arrangement who requested anonymity since the teams have yet to announce the deal officially.
Originally reported by ESPN, the trade is expected to help Cleveland reduce salary expenses and luxury tax payments while adding depth with Ellis and Schroder. The Cavaliers currently hold the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, boasting a strong record of seven wins in their last nine games.
Ellis is in the last year of a three-year contract worth $5.1 million and brings strong defense and reliable three-point shooting to the Cavaliers. Despite diminished playing time with Sacramento this season, he has a career 3-point shooting percentage of 41.6% and averages 5.6 points in 17.6 minutes per game. Schroder, 32, recently signed a three-year deal valued at $44.4 million and is averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 assists per game this season.
Sacramento, holding the NBA’s worst record at 12-38, is focused on rebuilding under new general manager Scott Perry. Hunter, 28, who was the fourth overall pick in 2019, has played for both Atlanta and Cleveland and is averaging 14 points per game this season. He has maintained double-digit scoring across all eight of his NBA seasons and has two years left on his contract worth about $48 million. Saric has only played in five games so far this season.
Fan Take: This multi-team deal is significant as it highlights strategic roster adjustments ahead of the playoff push, impacting the balance of power in the Eastern Conference. Fans should watch closely to see how these new additions gel, as it could shape the competitive landscape of the NBA moving forward.
