Cavs Trade De'Andre Hunter to Kings

Cleveland receives Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in three-team deal

Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:47pm

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded forward De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings as part of a three-team deal that also involves the Chicago Bulls. In return, the Cavs will receive guard Dennis Schroder and wing Keon Ellis.

Why it matters

This trade helps the Cavaliers add depth and ball-handling to their roster as they navigate a grueling stretch ahead of the All-Star break, with several key players dealing with injuries. The additions of Schroder and Ellis provide reliable options for the Cavs as they look to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

The Cavaliers will send Hunter to the Kings, while receiving Schroder and Ellis. The Bulls will acquire forward Dario Saric from the Kings, as well as two future second-round picks. This move helps the Cavs fill out their 15-man roster, and they could look to convert two-way player Nae'Qwan Tomlin if they decide to move on from Lonzo Ball and his $10 million contract.

  • The trade was reported on February 1, 2026, ahead of the NBA's trade deadline on February 9.

The players

De'Andre Hunter

A forward who was traded from the Cavaliers to the Kings as part of this deal.

Dennis Schroder

A veteran guard who the Cavaliers acquired from the Kings in the trade. He is averaging 12.8 points, 5.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds this season.

Keon Ellis

A wing player who the Cavaliers received from the Kings in the trade. He is in his fourth NBA season and is averaging 5.6 points, 0.6 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game.

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What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to integrate Schroder and Ellis into their rotation as they continue their push for the playoffs. They may also explore options to convert Nae'Qwan Tomlin's two-way contract or potentially move on from Lonzo Ball's contract.

The takeaway

This trade demonstrates the Cavaliers' commitment to bolstering their roster and maintaining their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race, even as they navigate key injuries to players like Darius Garland and Max Strus.