The first NBA trade deadline trade went down late last night, and while it wasn’t a shock, it did have some surprising elements. After gaining much steam yesterday, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled the trigger and sent De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. The Chicago Bulls were also involved in the transaction, acquiring Dario Saric from the Kings and draft capital.
NBA Trade Grades: What Does The De’Andre Hunter-Keon Ellis Trade Mean for the Cavs, Kings, and Bulls
While this three-team trade isn’t a blockbuster, it could kick-start an interesting next few days. Hunter, who has struggled mightily this year, drew some interest before ultimately being sent to the Kings. The Kings are Hunter’s third team, and the third time he has been traded, including the second consecutive year that he has been dealt at the trade deadline. The Cavs acquired him from Atlanta on February 6, 2024, for Caris LeVert and Georges Niang.
Meanwhile, Cleveland is Schroder’s 11th team. Schroder, in his first year with the Kings, is having a typical year for the 32-year-old, averaging 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, with shooting splits of 40.8/34.2/82.
According to NBA Cap expert Yossi Goslan, this is Schroder’s eighth trade, tied for the second most in league history. Goslan added that former NBA player Trevor Ariza holds the record for the most traded player (11).
Ellis, who was highly desired with nearly half the teams in the league showing interest, has had his ups and downs this year. His main issue was carving out a steady role with the Kings after the team brought in Schroder and Russell Westbrook this summer. The Cavaliers are Ellis’ second team, and this is the first time he has been dealt.
Sario, whom the Kings acquired from Denver for Jonas Valanciunas this summer, only totalled 41 minutes in five games this year. This is the sixth time the 31-year-old forward was traded. The Bulls are his eighth team.
Here is a look at the trade
Sacramento Kings Get
De’Andre Hunter
Cleveland Cavaliers Get
Dennis Schroder
Keon Ellis
Emanuel Miller (via Chicago)
Chicago Bulls Get
Dario Saric
Denver’s 2027 second pick (via Cavs)
Sacramento’s 2029 second-round selection, with the stipulation that it is the least favorable of picks among Detroit, Milwaukee, and New York selections.
Sacramento Kings Trade Grade: C-
Not 100 percent sure what Sacramento (12-38) is doing. But this trade could be the first of a few deals made as DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Zach LaVine trade candidates.
Hunter is theoretically an upgrade over Schroder and Ellis due to his high-volume three-point shooting and defensive capabilities. But the 28-year-old is having the worst season since his rookie campaign, and he has not been strong defensively as usual. However, he will likely take over the defensive stopper role for the Kings, as they don’t have anyone to fill it.
Plus, the Kings were hoping to get a first-round pick for Ellis. Not only did they not get a draft pick, but they also had to send out draft capital to entice the Bulls to get involved.
On the plus side, Hunter is an established “3-and-D” wing and is under contract for next season. The Kings also see him as a valuable complement to Keegan Murray in their frontcourt, per Hoopshype Michael Scotto. He is also younger than Schroder, who is under contract through 2027-28.
Sacramento is in Washington tonight. Hunter is a game-time decision, though it will be a surprise if he plays. Westbrook (foot) and Monk (ankle) are questionable, while Murray (ankle) remains out.
Kings To Fill Open Roster Spot By Promoting Dylan Caldwell
While Sacramento adds salary this year and next year, putting them over the tax threshold at least temporarily for next season, the Kings did open up a roster spot for the rest of the season. Scotto added that the trade also allows Doug Christie to give more time to play Nique Clifford. Additionally, Scotto noted that the Kings will promote Dylan Crawford from his two-way spot.
“Sources: Kings value De’Andre Hunter alongside Keegan Murray, remove Dennis Schroder’s salary for 2027-28, open time for Nique Clifford, will convert 2-way Dylan Cardwell, and sent out a 2029 least favorable 2nd-round pick (DET/MIL/NY) as part of the trade,” Scotto tweeted.
Clifford has struggled this year for the most part, but the 23-year-old did have a solid December. However, Caldwell, who went undrafted this past June, has been a pleasant surprise. The 24-year-old center has been outstanding on the glass, provided rim-protection, and has finished well at the rim. But it’s pretty limited offensively overall.
Cleveland Cavaliers Trade Grade: B+
Cleveland accomplished a lot in the trade. The Cavaliers acquired their top trade target in Ellis and didn’t surrender a first-round pick. Not that they have many to offer.
More importantly, the Cavaliers significantly reduced their tax bill. Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, “The trade saves Cleveland nearly $50M in salary and luxury tax this season.” The Cavs are now $13.9 million above the punitive second apron, which is about $8 million less than before the trade.
Cleveland is expected to trade Lonzo Ball, perhaps to Washington, to get under the second apron. The Cavaliers could also make a few other minor moves.
Ellis projects to be a major part of the Cavs second unit, backing up Donovan Mitchell at the two and Jaylon Tyson at the three. Ellis is on an expiring contract, but is eligible for a three-year, $52 million extension starting on February 9.
Dennis Schroder and Luke Travers
Schroder figures to serve as Darius Garland’s main understudy at point guard. Although Garland is out with a toe injury, Schroder figures to step into the starting role for the time being. Schroder and Ellis are questionable for tonight’s contest in Portland.
Since the Cavaliers were carrying 14 players before the trade, they don’t have to make a subsequent move. However, Sam Amico of Hoopswire reports that the Cavs are releasing Luke Travers from his two-way contract. Travers, the No. 56 pick by Cleveland in 2022, has spent most of his time with the organization in the G-League. He has seen action in 24 NBA games, including 12 this season.
The Cavs are waiving Travers to make room for Miller. Miller, on a two-way contract with Chicago, has spent most of his two pro seasons with the G-League’s Windy City. He has appeared in 11 career NBA contests, including five this season.
© Bill Streicher, Imagn Images
Chicago Bulls Trade Grade: A
Just by being nice guys and taking on Saric’s expiring deal, the Bulls added two second-round picks. The Bulls now own 17 draft picks from 2026-2032, with eight firsts and nine seconds. They were able to participate in the trade because they were $13 million below the tax line.
Saric isn’t expected to see much time in Chicago and is a potential buyout candidate. The Bulls had to waive Jevon Carter to make room for Saric, according to Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. Carter, in his third year with the Bulls, averaged 5.4 points and 1.4 treys while shooting 39.8% from the field and 41% from the 3-point line in 23 minutes.
Chicago has an open two-way spot with Miller in Cleveland. The Bulls are now $8.1 million below the tax threshold. They could make other moves before the trade deadline with several players on expiring contracts.