The Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings have explored multiple trade concepts that would send forward DeAndre Hunter to Sacramento and bring guard Keon Ellis to Cleveland, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
One structure under discussion would move Hunter to the Kings for Ellis, guard Dennis Schroder, and forward Dario Saric. League sources indicated a third team could enter the deal to absorb Saric’s expiring $5.43 million contract, with second-round draft picks included as incentive.
Ellis, 24, earns $2.3 million this season and becomes extension-eligible on Feb. 9, two days after the trade deadline. If no extension is reached, he can enter unrestricted free agency in July. Reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer on Friday described growing league interest in the 6-foot-3 guard.
Schroder, 30, is signed for $14.1 million this year and $14.81 million in 2026-27, with a $4.35 million partial guarantee in 2027-28. His longer-term salary would give Cleveland cap flexibility to match Ellis’ incoming deal while moving off Hunter’s contract.
Hunter, 28, is earning $23.3 million this season and is owed $24.91 million in 2026-27. Cleveland, already above the second apron, must send out comparable salary to add Ellis.
The clubs have also reviewed a separate package that would pair Ellis with guard Malik Monk in exchange for Hunter, but Cleveland is reportedly hesitant about Monk’s remaining two-year, $41.77 million commitment.
Beyond talks with Sacramento, the Cavaliers have floated Hunter in at least one other scenario. Cleveland and the Los Angeles Lakers have discussed a framework that would ship Hunter to L.A. for forward Rui Hachimura and guard Dalton Knecht, with a third team again involved. Hachimura’s $18.26 million deal expires this summer, while Knecht is earning $4 million in the second year of his rookie contract.
No agreement is imminent, and negotiations are expected to continue as the Feb. 7 deadline approaches.
Source: HoopsRumors
