Cavaliers Acquire Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis in Trade with Kings
The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a significant move at the trade deadline, acquiring Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings. In exchange, the Cavs sent De’Andre Hunter to the Kings and a 2027 second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls as part of the deal.
Cavaliers’ Strategic Trade Overview
This trade offers several notable advantages for the Cavaliers:
- Enhancement of their backup point guard situation.
- Improvement in perimeter defense.
- Financial savings in terms of luxury tax payments.
Dennis Schroder: A Valuable Addition
Schroder brings a wealth of experience as a backup point guard. The Cavaliers have struggled with Lonzo Ball’s performance, particularly in scoring and offensive reliability. Recently benched, Ball’s inability to contribute effectively made this trade timely.
With Schroder, the Cavaliers gain a player who can both create opportunities for himself and others. His playoff experience is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s competitiveness.
Keon Ellis: The Emerging Defender
Ellis, a 26-year-old swingman, is noted for his strong defensive capabilities. Currently, he ranks in the 95th percentile for blocks and 96th for steals amongst wings. Despite receiving limited playing time this season, his potential shines in the areas the Cavaliers need improvement.
Although not a full-fledged offensive player, he poses a three-point threat, boasting a career shooting percentage of 41.6% from beyond the arc. He’s connecting on 36.8% of his three-point attempts this season.
Financial Ramifications of the Trade
This trade helps the Cavaliers save nearly $50 million in luxury tax payments, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks. However, they still remain over the second apron by approximately $13.9 million. Schroder’s contract for the upcoming season is also notably less than Hunter’s.
Ellis, meanwhile, will become an unrestricted free agent next summer but can be extended starting next week. This flexibility may assist the Cavaliers in managing their financial obligations moving forward.
Cleveland’s Future Outlook
Moving forward, the Cavaliers’ roster appears more balanced. The presence of Schroder and Ellis fills key gaps, particularly in terms of playmaking and defense. However, the loss of Hunter raises questions about their small forward depth.
Though the trade yields clear benefits, the Cavaliers must contend with having previously traded key rotation players to acquire Hunter. This context may slightly tarnish the overall assessment of their latest move.
In conclusion, while the trade has potential, it highlights the challenges the Cavaliers faced with Hunter and the need to improve their overall roster strategy.
