Short Description:
The Cleveland Cavaliers execute a salary-dumping trade, sending De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in a three-team deal involving the Chicago Bulls.
Read Time:
2 minutes, 15 seconds
Main Article:
In a strategic move with significant financial implications, the Cleveland Cavaliers have orchestrated a three-team NBA trade that reshapes their roster while delivering major salary cap relief. The Cavaliers are trading forward De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for point guard Dennis Schroder and defensive specialist Keon Ellis. The Chicago Bulls also join the deal, acquiring Kings forward Dario Saric and two future second-round picks. This complex transaction is a masterclass in NBA luxury tax management, directly impacting the teams’ financial flexibility.
The Cavaliers salary cap situation sees immediate and future benefits. By moving Hunter’s contract, Cleveland saves roughly $50 million in combined salary and luxury tax payments this season alone, slashing their tax bill from a staggering $164 million to $120 million according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Critically, this deal positions the Cavs to potentially get under the restrictive second apron next season, enhancing their long-term team-building options. In return, they add point guard depth with veteran Dennis Schroder and a premier perimeter defender in Keon Ellis, who is eligible for a lucrative extension soon.
For the Sacramento Kings, the trade addresses a need for an established “3-and-D” wing in De’Andre Hunter, who is under contract through 2025-26. The move also creates valuable roster flexibility, allowing them to convert two-way center Dylan Cardwell to a standard NBA contract. The Chicago Bulls, acting as a facilitator, absorb Saric’s expiring $5.4 million deal and are compensated with two second-round draft picks—a classic asset accumulation play. This trade exemplifies how NBA trade rumors culminate in deals where financial pragmatism and on-court needs intersect, with each team targeting specific goals beyond just player talent.
Short Summary:
This three-team NBA trade centers on the Cleveland Cavaliers achieving major luxury tax savings and future cap flexibility by dealing De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. The Kings gain a needed wing, while the Bulls collect draft assets. Ultimately, it’s a strategic deal highlighting the critical importance of financial management and roster construction in modern professional sports.
