Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder
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Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder has been suspended multiple games by the NBA.
The Cleveland Cavaliers made noise to close out the weekend, reshaping both their rotation and financial outlook as the season moves toward the stretch run.
The franchise traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal that brought Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to the Cavaliers, while the Chicago Bulls absorbed Dario Saric and received future second-round draft picks.
After the negotiations settled, the Cavs finally addressed two areas they’ve quietly been monitoring all season: guard depth and perimeter defense. Schroder gives Cleveland a proven backup ball-handler behind Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
The veteran guard averaged 12.8 points and 5.3 assists per game with Sacramento and has been one of the most productive bench guards in the league this season. He and Chicago’s Tre Jones are the only players averaging at least 10 points and five assists off the bench.
Why Cavaliers Wanted Dennis Schroder Ahead of Feb. 5
Schroder’s changed locations a few times before — 11 times as a matter of fact. However, the Cavaliers see Schroder as a player who can bring what the roster has lacked.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported Sunday that members of the Cavaliers’ front office view Schroder as “headstrong and opinionated” — qualities they feel the team has missed since Georges Niang was shipped to the Atlanta Hawks last year at this time. Schroder’s willingness to be vocal and assertive stood out during his time with the Kings and aligns with what Cleveland wants from its second unit.
Ellis Fills a Different Role than Schroder
While his offensive production has been modest at 5.6 points per game for the Kings, Ellis has established himself as one of the league’s more disruptive perimeter defenders. He is one of only two players in the NBA averaging at least 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per 36 minutes this season.
His defensive versatility gives Cleveland another option against quick guards and athletic wings, something that became a bigger need after last postseason. Ellis is on an expiring $2.3 million contract but will be eligible for a contract extension beginning Feb. 9.
Despite Cleveland projecting as an apron team next season, the Cavaliers can re-sign Ellis and exceed the threshold if they choose. The trade also carries significant financial implications.
By moving Hunter’s contract, Cleveland saves roughly $50 million in combined salary and luxury tax payments this season, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Their projected tax bill drops from $164 million to $120 million, and the move helps position the Cavaliers to get under the second apron next season under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement.
Hunter, 28, is averaging 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game and is under contract through next season. The Kings also gain roster flexibility, including the ability to convert two-way center Dylan Cardwell to a standard NBA contract. Cardwell has averaged 4.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in limited minutes as an undrafted rookie.
Chicago’s role in the deal was primarily financial. The Bulls absorbed Saric’s expiring $5.4 million contract, waived Jevon Carter to create roster space, and picked up future second-round draft compensation.
Both Schroder and Ellis are expected to join the Cavaliers for a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.