Since being drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2019 NBA Draft, Hunter hasn\u2019t lived up to those expectations but carved out a role for himself. After five and a half seasons in Atlanta, he was traded in the middle of last season to the Cleveland Cavaliers.<\/p>\n
BREAKING: The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading De\u2019Andre 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<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n In 43 games played this season, Hunter has averaged 14 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from three on 5.5 attempts per game. After starting in his first 23 appearances, the Cavaliers elected to replace him in their initial unit with Jaylon Tyson, their first-round pick (20th overall) from 2024.<\/p>\n Hunter is making $23.3 million this season and $24.9 million next season before he can potentially reach unrestricted free agency.<\/p>\n Listed at 6\u20197 with a 7\u20192 wingspan, he should drastically help bolster head coach Doug Christie\u2019s thin frontcourt rotation and could eventually replace Precious Achiuwa in their starting unit. Sending out Ellis and Schroder also helped clear up their guard \u201clogjam,\u201d as Christie often referred to it.<\/p>\n On an expiring minimum contract, Ellis was a highly coveted asset around the entire NBA, with what felt like half the league interested in his talents. It\u2019s an unceremonious end to his three and a half seasons with the Kings\u2019 organization since joining them as an undrafted free agent in 2022.<\/p>\n Schroder is a much different story, having just signed a three-year, $44.4-million deal with the Kings this offseason \u2014 the first sizeable move under general manager Scott Perry. Saric also joined the team last offseason via trade, but had hardly seen the floor this season and is on an expiring deal.<\/p>\n Cavs turn Hunter\u2019s slot into backcourt depth and create $50 million in salary and tax savings this season. Kings receive an established 3-and-D wing under contract through 2027 at age of 28 and roster flexibility, including converting two-way Dylan Cardwell to a standard deal. https:\/\/t.co\/JF9EapXYpk<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Charania also reported that Sacramento will convert rookie Dylan Cardwell from a two-way contract to a standard deal, given the roster spots they created by swapping three players for one.<\/p>\n Securing this deal with five days remaining until the trade deadline, there\u2019s still time for Perry and the Kings to continue reshaping their roster as Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Domantas Sabonis have all been mentioned in rumors.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll see if there is more to come.<\/p>\n More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports<\/p>\n We are less than one week away from the NBA trade deadline (Thursday at 12 pm PT), meaning the time has come for the Sacramento Kings to make some moves.<\/p>\n While players on large contracts like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan are at the forefront of the Kings\u2019 to-do list when it comes to restructuring this roster, Keon Ellis\u2019 name continues to be popular in trade talks.<\/p>\n The Athletic\u2018s Sam Amick<\/a>\u00a0joined\u00a0The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross\u00a0to share his thoughts on where things stand for Ellis, whose future in Sacramento appears to be coming to an end in the coming days.<\/p>\n Read More:<\/p>\n Sam Amick on Keon Ellis\u2019 trade market & Domantas Sabonis\u2019 future<\/a><\/p>\n Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season<\/p>\n Thursday, January 29th\u00a0\u2013 @ Philadelphia 76ers \u2013 4:00 PM PT Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n
\nSunday, January 30th\u00a0\u2013 @ Boston Celtics \u2013 4:30 PM PT
\nSunday, February 1st\u00a0\u2013 @ Washington Wizards \u2013 3:00 PM PT
\nWednesday, February 4th\u00a0\u2013 vs. Memphis Grizzlies \u2013 7:00 PM PT
\nFriday, February 6th\u00a0\u2013 vs. Los Angeles Clippers \u2013 7:00 PM PT<\/p>\n
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