Cavaliers Believe Trade Boosts Title Hopes

Cleveland's front office sees new additions as key to championship aspirations.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:39pm

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The Cleveland Cavaliers made a significant trade, sending De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for veteran guard Dennis Schroder and rookie Keon Ellis. The Cavaliers believe this move strengthens their depth and flexibility, positioning them to contend for a championship this season and beyond.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers have faced injury issues, particularly to star guard Darius Garland, hampering their offense. Adding experienced floor general Schroder and energetic two-way player Ellis is expected to provide a boost to the Cavs' backcourt and their overall title aspirations.

The details

The Cavaliers traded away De'Andre Hunter, who had not lived up to the hype in Cleveland, in order to acquire Schroder and Ellis from the Kings. Schroder is an established veteran who can help stabilize the Cavs' offense, while Ellis is a promising young two-way player who can provide defensive intensity.

  • The trade was completed on February 2, 2026.

The players

Koby Altman

The president of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who believes this trade positions the team to contend for a championship.

Dennis Schroder

A veteran guard acquired by the Cavaliers in the trade, expected to provide experience and stability to the team's backcourt.

Keon Ellis

A rookie guard also acquired by the Cavaliers in the trade, known for his defensive intensity and energy.

Darius Garland

The Cavaliers' star guard who has dealt with injury issues, making the additions of Schroder and Ellis crucial to the team's success.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' other star guard, who will benefit from having additional backcourt support with the additions of Schroder and Ellis.

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What they’re saying

“We believe adding Dennis and Keon strengthens our depth, expands our flexibility, and positions us to keep building a Championship-caliber team now and into the future.”

— Koby Altman, President, Cleveland Cavaliers (Official Cavaliers Statement)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to integrate Schroder and Ellis into their rotation as they make a push for the playoffs and a potential championship run.

The takeaway

This trade demonstrates the Cavaliers' commitment to building a championship-contending team, addressing their backcourt depth and flexibility issues in the hopes of making a deep postseason run.