For weeks, the buzz had been that Keon Ellis was the most likely player to be traded before the Feb. 5 deadline. It didn’t even go down to the wire.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder in a three-team deal that sees Dario Saric heading off to Chicago, a trade first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by multiple reports. Michael Scotto of Hoopshype had laid out a framework for this trade earlier in the day.
This trade is a win for the Cavaliers, who both save money — nearly $47 million in salary and taxes for a team still over the second apron — and get a better wing defender and 3-point shooter in Ellis. The Cavs had hoped that Hunter would fill their need on the wing, but he is averaging 13.9 points a game, has come off the bench a lot this season, is shooting 30.9% from beyond the arc, and is not a lockdown defender. Ellis, on the other hand, is a plus defender (even if he is three inches shorter) and is shooting 36.8% from 3 this season.
Here are other notes on the trade.
• Chicago picks up one or two late second-round picks — one is reportedly in 2029, the worst of Detroit, Milwaukee or New York’s second-rounder — for taking on Saric.
• Ellis and Schroder are going to really help Cleveland’s perimeter defense.
• Hunter became someone the Cavaliers could trade because of the emergence of Jaylon Tyson, who has played better for them in the same role.
• Schroder is averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 rebounds this season and gives the Cavaliers depth at the point.
• This could mean less Lonzo Ball for the Cavaliers. He has not worked out as hoped for them this season.
• Sacramento had been looking for a late first-rounder for Ellis but did not get any picks as part of this trade.
• Sacramento is not done dealing — this trade adds $6.9 million in salary this season and moves them over the luxury tax line. Kings’ ownership is not going to pay the tax for a 12-38 team that is last in the Western Conference. More moves are coming.
• Sacramento adds $10.1 million in salary next season with Hunter.
• Multiple reports say the Kings are excited and believe Hunter can help them on the wing. Can Keegan Murray and Hunter pair well together? We’re going to find out.
• Moving on from Ellis and Schroder helps the Kings clear up a crowded backcourt and get more run for rookie Nique Clifford, who has shown some promise.
• Chicago is waiving guard Jevon Carter to create a roster spot for Saric.
