Cavaliers Acquire Kings’ Keon Ellis, Dennis Schröder to Boost Roster Depth
The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a significant move to enhance their roster depth by acquiring Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder from the Sacramento Kings. This trade unfolds as part of an exchange that sends De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento. According to two sources, the deal also involves Chicago acquiring Dario Šarić along with two second-round draft picks, one from Cleveland in 2027 and another from Sacramento in 2029.
Cavaliers’ Strategic Trade for Roster Improvement
This acquisition is critical for the Cavaliers, who are currently positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29-21. Having won seven out of their last nine games, the team aims to strengthen its title-contending status, especially with a payroll that sits within the second-apron luxury tax threshold.
Insights on Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder
Keon Ellis, a three-and-D guard at 26 years old, is set to become a free agent this summer after his three-year contract worth $5.1 million expires. Despite facing challenges for consistent playing time this season due to a competitive backcourt, Ellis had a strong performance last season. He averaged 8.3 points per game across 80 games while shooting 43.4% from three-point range. His skill set is highly regarded, making him an attractive target for teams seeking to bolster their backcourt.
Meanwhile, Dennis Schröder, who recently signed a three-year contract with the Kings valued at $45 million, adds veteran experience to Cleveland’s lineup. This is especially important while Donovan Mitchell remains out due to a toe injury, which has sidelined him since January 16.
Kings’ Strategic Rebuild
The Sacramento Kings, currently in the midst of a rebuild and holding the second-worst record in the Western Conference, view De’Andre Hunter as a valuable asset for their future. Hunter has averaged 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. His contract, which totals $23.3 million for this season and $24.9 million for the next, aligns with the Kings’ payroll strategy.
- Contract Details:
- Keon Ellis: Three-year, $5.1 million deal (expiring this summer)
- Dennis Schröder: Three-year, $45 million deal (partial guarantee in the final season)
- De’Andre Hunter: $23.3 million this season, $24.9 million next season
- Performance:
- Keon Ellis: 8.3 points per game, 43.4% shooting from three last season
- De’Andre Hunter: 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game
This trade not only adds immediate value for the Cavaliers but also opens opportunities for the Kings to utilize young talents like Dylan Cardwell, who is expected to transition to a full-time roster position following the trade. General Manager Scott Perry continues to explore further trades to enhance the team’s draft capital and salary cap space, with other veteran players, including Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, also being discussed in potential deals.
