Cavaliers send De’Andre Hunter to Kings for Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis in three-team deadline deal

Tyler A. Gates

February 1, 2026, 9:21 AM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings agreed to a deadline swap that sends wing De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento in exchange for guards Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis, sources told ESPN. A third team, the Chicago Bulls, is also involved, receiving forward Dario Šarić along with two future second-round picks as part of the transaction.

Hunter, 28, will join a rebuilding Kings roster and immediately becomes one of their most experienced wings under contract through next season at roughly $23.3 million this year and $24.9 million next season. Sacramento takes on his full contract as it continues its post-season rebuild under GM Scott Perry.

For Cleveland, the move bolsters backcourt depth with the addition of Dennis Schröder — a 13-year NBA veteran averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 assists this season — and Keon Ellis, a versatile guard with length, defense and 3-point shooting upside. The Cavaliers also clear roughly $50 million in combined salary and luxury tax obligations, dropping their projected tax bill significantly this season.

On the surface, it’s a classic trade deadline pivot: the Cavs address depth and financial flexibility; the Kings add an experienced wing who can help stabilize rotations. But digging deeper, the move also reflects how both teams’ rosters have developed this season.

Hunter’s production in Cleveland hasn’t matched expectations after a high-profile midseason arrival last year. While he’s averaging 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds this season, his minutes and efficiency have dipped compared with his 2025 arrival, and he’s yet to reclaim the 3-and-D impact many expected him to bring.

That decline opened a door for rookie Jalen Tyson, who effectively took over a starting perimeter role with consistent floor time and impactful play in close moments. Tyson’s emergence of scoring efficiently, knocking down threes, and staying on the floor in key stretches — made Hunter more expendable and clearly influenced Cleveland’s urgency to pivot at the deadline.

For Sacramento, acquiring Hunter gives the Kings a veteran scorer and wing presence to give minutes alongside their young core, but the fit isn’t without questions. Hunter’s salary and shot creation profile come at a time when Sacramento is also trying to give its younger players plenty of development minutes.

In Cleveland, the infusion of Schröder’s ball-handling and Ellis’ defensive versatility gives head coach more tactical flexibility heading into the playoff push, and the tax relief provides long-term roster maneuverability.

This is not just a trade; it’s a snapshot of how quickly value shifts in the NBA, how young playmakers like Tyson can accelerate a roster’s evolution, and how contenders and rebuilders alike navigate the clock as the February deadline approaches.