Well, the inevitable has happened, and the Sacramento Kings have reportedly finalized a deal that will send Keon Ellis to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The three-team deal will have positive outcomes for the Kings, including the opportunity to finally get Dylan Cardwell on a proper NBA contract.
BREAKING: The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, sources tell ESPN. The three-team deal includes the Chicago Bulls acquiring Kings forward Dario Saric and two future second-round picks. pic.twitter.com/Hoc6bP0hhj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2026
According to Shams Charnia, the Kings have agreed to send Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder to the Cavaliers. This isn't a surprise to anyone, as Keon Ellis is the hottest trade commodity Sacramento has, and at least one-third of the league was talking to the Kings about him.
It's also not a major surprise that Dennis Schroder is on the move again. He's a solid off-the-bench player and is often a part of trade scenarios. In return, De'Andre Hunter will move to Sacramento, giving the Kings the kind of young 3&D player they're hoping to frame the rebuild around.
On top of that, Dario Saric is heading to the Chicago Bulls with a pair of second-round picks. He's spent the bulk of the season riding the bench in Sacramento. This move will help open up both cap space and roster space that will allow the Kings to make additional moves.
The Kings' rebuild begins in earnest
It's not a major revelation, but the Kings are giving up three players and picking up one. That means there is room on the roster for another move. Specifically, the Kings will now have the opportunity to convert Cardwell's two-way contract into a proper full-time NBA contract with the team.
De'Andre Hunter will also be a welcome addition alongside a full-time Cardwell. The 28-year-old forward has been averaging 14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game with the Cavaliers. He's also known as a versatile defender who can shut down players in a variety of positions.
This season hasn't been great for Hunter on the Cavs, but a lot of Cleveland's bench have been having a tough run in 2025-2026. Donavan Mitchell is keeping them going. The Kings see the potential in Hunter and are likely banking on a change in scenery bringing out the best in him.
Given Sacramento's young core of Dylan Cardwell, Maxime Raynaud, Nique Clifford, and Precious Achiuwa, there's a good chance that De'Andre Hunter will fit right in with this group. It's hard not to see this as a positive step on the path forward for the Kings in this rebuild process.