With Thursday’s trade deadline fast approaching, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls have sparked early activity by agreeing to a three-team, four-player trade that reshapes rosters across the league.
In a deal first reported by ESPN and made official Sunday afternoon, Cleveland will send De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento. The Cavaliers will receive Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis, while the Bulls will take on Dario Šarić along with a pair of second-round draft picks. Cleveland will also receive Bulls two-way player Emanuel Miller as part of the transaction.
For the Cavaliers, the trade offers both financial relief and added depth. Cleveland is able to save salary and reduce its luxury tax burden while bringing in two rotation players as it continues its push in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs currently sit fifth in the East after winning seven of their last nine games, and the additions of Ellis and Schröder are expected to strengthen their backcourt options.
Ellis is in the final year of a three-year, $5.1 million contract and brings defensive versatility and reliable outside shooting. Although his playing time had decreased with Sacramento this season, Ellis is a career 41.6 percent shooter from three-point range and is averaging 5.6 points in 17.6 minutes per game.
Schröder, 32, signed a three-year, $44.4 million deal this summer and adds experience to Cleveland’s lineup. He is averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 assists per game this season, giving the Cavaliers another proven playmaker as they eye a strong finish.
Sacramento, meanwhile, continues to reshape its roster during a difficult season. The Kings currently hold the worst record in the NBA at 12-38 and are in rebuilding mode in the first year under general manager Scott Perry. Hunter, 28, was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 draft and is averaging 14 points per game for Cleveland this season. He has two years remaining on his contract worth approximately $48 million.
Chicago’s return includes Šarić, who has appeared in just five games this season, as the Bulls add future assets with the draft picks included in the deal.
