Have the trade floodgates opened for the Sacramento Kings?
Following weeks of build-up, the Kings completed a three-team trade over the weekend that sent guard Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to the Cleveland Cavaliers in return for forward De’Andre Hunter.
Hunter, who is set to make $24 million on an expiring deal during the 2026-27 season, joins a Sacramento roster that is thin at the forward spots, but is it possible the Kings look to flip the veteran this week or in the offseason?
Of course, Hunter’s $24 million salary makes him an almost perfect fit as a trade partner for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is expected to be moved before Thursday’s 12 pm PT deadline passes.
While the Kings have been linked to Kuminga since the offseason, and there has been mutual interest between the two sides in recent memory, it’s unlikely that Sacramento and Golden State strike a deal–even with Hunter now in the fold.
The Athletic‘s Sam Amick joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to share his thoughts on the Kings-Cavs trade, where he shared his intel on Golden State’s thought process when it comes to finding a trade for Kuminga.
(Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
“I’ve seen some of the speculation about this being tied into other moves. Now, could Hunter get moved again? Sure, but I’m not hearing that right now,” Amick said on Monday.
“And specifically, the speculation about the Warriors and a possible Kuminga tie-in. The Warriors have made it really clear that they don’t want any money past this year. So just for folks that had wondered about that part, I don’t see that happening either.”
Time will tell where Kuminga winds up, but it’s clear that other scenarios like Miami or Milwaukee in a potential blockbuster deal for star Giannis Antetokounmpo appear more likely for the young wing.
Sam also shared his intel on Sacramento’s process leading into the trade that sent Ellis and Schroder to Cleveland, with other teams emerging as serious suitors before the Kings went with the Cavaliers’ offer that brought Hunter to the 916.
Although Sacramento was pushing teams to offer a first-round pick for Ellis, who will be eligible to sign an extension with Cleveland next week, Amick says interested teams balked at the asking price leading into deadline week.
This caused the Kings to act, and the three-team deal came together.
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
“They didn’t want to wait because there was concern that once things picked up, the reality was someone like Keon Ellis wasn’t going to be a priority,” Amick said. “There was fear of being left holding the bag.”
Sacramento didn’t get any draft compensation in return for Ellis — even parting with a second-rounder of their own in the process — but Sam says some teams may have given up a first-round pick before shifting their attention elsewhere.
“As for teams that might have given up a first, Minnesota is a good example,” Amick continued. “They were involved and showed real interest—possibly two seconds—but then Giannis Antetokounmpo became the priority. There was also some chatter about ownership involvement on Minnesota’s side getting in the way, so that option faded.”
“Indiana was another team, but the Benedict Mathurin situation became an obstacle,” Amick said. “They didn’t want to give up a late first while still having Mathurin, especially if they might move him later. The logic was whether it made sense to give up a late first for Keon Ellis if he might not beat Mathurin out for playing time.”
“Those were the most aggressive suitors,” Amick continued. “Boston was involved, too, though I’m forgetting some of the details there. That option faded as well, which is why they ultimately went with Cleveland.”
Check out the full interview with The Athletic‘s Sam Amick by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.
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More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
The Dennis Schroder never made sense for the Sacramento Kings. It makes even less sense now.
As soon as the Kings and De’Aaron Fox’s relationship came to a rocky ending this time last year, it became evident that Sacramento would need to find a long-term solution at the point guard spot.
Although the Kings allowed former Executive of the Year winner Monte McNair and his front office to execute the Fox trade not even eight weeks prior, McNair and his staff were excused less than two hours following Sacramento’s season-ending loss to Dallas in the NBA Play-In Game.
First-year general manager Scott Perry, who was brought in to replace McNair a few days later, struck quickly during the opening minutes of free agency by signing veteran journeyman Dennis Schroder, who was entering his age-32 season and suiting up for his 10th NBA franchise.
While Schroder’s age, skill set, and surprisingly large contract — $44.5 million over three years with a partial guarantee in the final season — didn’t seem to align with the Sacramento Kings’ current roster makeup or timeline, Perry saw it differently.
Internally, Schroder was viewed as the top target on the market, the “number one guy” Sacramento believed could serve as a building block as the organization pushed toward sustained success.
Is the Ellis-Hunter trade a sign of more to come for Sacramento?
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Wednesday, February 4th – vs. Memphis Grizzlies – 7:00 PM PT
Friday, February 6th – vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7:00 PM PT
Saturday, February 7th – vs. Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM PT
Monday, February 9th – @ New Orleans Pelicans – 5:00 PM PT
Wednesday, February 11th – @ Utah Jazz – 6:00 PM PT
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