This post was originally published on this site.
The Cavaliers struck a notable deal ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, sending small forward De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, a league source confirmed for the Beacon Journal on Jan. 31.
The Cavs acquired Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks just before last year’s trade deadline. This year, they traded Hunter to the Kings five days before the deadline.
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the trade and added the Cavs are creating about $50 million in salary and luxury tax savings this season with the transaction. However, Cleveland remains the NBA’s only team in the second apron, at least for now. They may make additional moves prior to the deadline.
The trade includes three teams, the league source confirmed, with the Chicago Bulls acquiring Kings forward Dario Saric and two future second-round draft picks (one from the Cavs in 2027 and one from the Kings in 2029, according to ESPN).
Cavs wing De’Andre Hunter reacts to bloody nose vs. Hornets. Video
Cleveland Cavaliers wing De’Andre Hunter reflects on taking an elbow to the nose and still helping the Cavs beat the Charlotte Hornets. Here’s video.
Hunter struggled this season with the Cavs (29-21), starting with Max Strus sidelined due to offseason foot surgery and then moving to the bench.
With the Kings (12-38) trading Schroder to the Cavs, Cleveland will gain point guard depth, which it needs as Darius Garland deals with a sprained right big toe while continuing to work back from offseason surgery on his left big toe and Lonzo Ball unable to consistently produce off the bench. With the Cavs getting Ellis, they will add a formidable perimeter defender, something they have missed since trading Isaac Okoro to the Bulls this past summer in exchange for Ball.
Ellis started five of the 43 games in which he appeared with the Kings this season. He is averaging 5.6 points on 39.7% shooting from the field (36.8% on 3-pointers), 1.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 17.6 minutes.
Ellis will be eligible to sign a three-year, $52 million contract extension beginning Feb. 9, according to ESPN. Ellis’ three-year, $5.1 million deal is scheduled to expire this summer. He is making $2.3 million this season.
Keon Ellis height, weight
The Kings list Ellis as 6 feet, 5 inches and 175 pounds.
Keon Ellis age
Ellis is 26 years old.
Hunter started 23 of the 43 games in which he appeared with the Cavs this season. He is averaging 14 points on 42.3% shooting from the field (30.8% on 3-pointers), 4.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 26.2 minutes.
Hunter’s four-year, $90 million contract runs through the 2026-27 season. He is making $23.3 million this season, and he’s set to make $24.9 million next season, according to spotrac.com.
De’Andre Hunter height, weight
The Cavs list Hunter as 6 feet, 8 inches and 227 pounds.
De’Andre Hunter age
Hunter is 28 years old.
The NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m. Feb. 5.
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.