Cleveland Cavaliers Trade Brings 40-Year Saga Full Circle

Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder join the Cavs in a deal that traces back to a 1986 draft pick

Feb. 7, 2026 at 6:15pm

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The Cleveland Cavaliers' recent trade for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder is the culmination of a 40-year saga that began with the team's acquisition of Mark Price in the 1986 NBA Draft. Through a complex series of trades over the decades, the Cavs have built a roster that now includes Ellis and Schroder, two key pieces that bolster their perimeter defense and provide depth at point guard.

Why it matters

This trade highlights the Cavaliers' commitment to building a championship-caliber roster through strategic, long-term planning. The team has navigated a web of transactions over the past four decades, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on opportunities and adapt to the evolving NBA landscape.

The details

The trade that brought Ellis and Schroder to Cleveland can be traced back to the Cavaliers' acquisition of Mark Price in the 1986 NBA Draft. From there, a series of trades involving players like Donovan Mitchell, Lauri Markkanen, Andre Drummond, Ricky Rubio, Kyrie Irving, and others have culminated in this latest move. The Cavaliers sent DeAndre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Ellis and Schroder, strengthening their perimeter defense and backcourt depth.

  • The Cavaliers acquired Mark Price in the 1986 NBA Draft.
  • The trade that brought Ellis and Schroder to Cleveland was completed in January 2026.

The players

Mark Price

A former point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who was acquired in the 1986 NBA Draft and went on to become a four-time NBA All-Star.

Keon Ellis

A perimeter defender acquired by the Cavaliers in the January 2026 trade with the Sacramento Kings.

Dennis Schroder

A veteran point guard acquired by the Cavaliers in the January 2026 trade with the Sacramento Kings, providing depth and experience to the team's backcourt.

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What they’re saying

“One could say it took 40 years for Keon Ellis to be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. It may seem like a wild statement, but it's the truth.”

— Chad Porto, Author (sportingnews.com)

“The trade that landed Ellis was only possible because of one that happened almost exactly 40 years prior. A trade tree that not only saw Ellis join the Cavs, but features moves that include the acquisition and departure of key players like Donovan Mitchell, Lauri Markkanen, Andre Drummond, Ricky Rubio, Kyrie Irving, Moe Williams, Anderson Varejao, and Mark Price.”

— David Hrusovsky, Local Cleveland sports writer and personality (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to integrate Ellis and Schroder into their rotation as they continue their push for an NBA championship, building on the foundation laid over the past four decades.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' trade for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder is a testament to the team's long-term vision and ability to capitalize on opportunities, even those that trace back decades. This deal highlights the team's commitment to building a championship-caliber roster through strategic, patient planning.