Late-Night Trade Involves 3 Teams, Sends Keon Ellis to Cavaliers

Just before midnight Saturday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings pulled off a deal, with the help of the Chicago Bulls, that brings much-sought-after 3-and-D man Keon Ellis to Cleveland. It also sends De'Andre Hunter to the Kings.

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

The full trade looks like this:

Cleveland Cavaliers receive:

Keon Ellis
Dennis Schroder

Sacramento Kings receive:

De'Andre Hunter

Chicago Bulls receive:

Dario Saric
Two future second-round picks

For the Cavs, they get depth at point guard with Schroder, while adding the top defensive perimeter man on the market in Ellis. He had interest from about half the league. Additionally, per ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Cavaliers also save about $50 million in salary and luxury tax bills, allowing them to get under the second apron next season.

Ellis has averaged 5.6 points per game this season, but has seen his minutes slashed this year by the Kings, as the undrafted guard averaged 24.4 minutes last year, with 8.3 ppg, 1.5 steals, and a 43.3% mark from beyond the arc. This season, he's down to just over 17 minutes a night. That should improve in his new role with Cleveland.

Whatever scoring the Cavs give up from going from Hunter to Ellis, they more than make up for with Schroder, while adding a solid playmaker to the bench.

Schroder has averaged 12.8 points and 5.3 assists per game in Sacramento, and the Cavs will take on the $30 million he's owed over the next two seasons after this. He is one of only two players in the league averaging 10 points and 5 assists off the bench this season.

Kings get established 3-and-D wing in De'Andre Hunter

The Kings seemed hesitant to give Ellis the extension he's eligibile for on Feb. 9th, and without it, he could become an unrestricted free agent after the season. With this trade, the Kings get a top 3-and-D wing in Hunter, who has averaged 14 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, and is signed through next year as well.