The Cleveland Cavaliers completed a significant roster move Saturday, agreeing to trade forward De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings as part of a three-team deal that also involves the Chicago Bulls.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Cleveland will receive Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, while Chicago acquires Dario Saric and two future second-round draft picks to finalize the transaction.
The move allows the Cavaliers to reshape their rotation while creating approximately $50 million in combined salary and luxury tax savings for the 2025-26 season.
Hunter, 28, averaged 14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 43 games for Cleveland, shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from three-point range.
The 6-foot-8 wing started 23 games and provided defensive versatility, but his role fluctuated alongside a roster built around Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley.
By moving Hunter, Cleveland converts a forward spot into additional backcourt depth with Schroder, a veteran point guard averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 assists this season.
Schroder appeared in 40 games for Sacramento, giving the Kings a steady secondary ball-handler before being redirected to the Eastern Conference contender.
Ellis, 26, also heads to Cleveland after averaging 5.6 points while shooting 36.8 percent from beyond the arc in a limited role.
For Sacramento, the trade addresses a need on the wing as the team sits last in the Western Conference at 12-38.
Hunter joins a Kings roster led by Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis, adding size and perimeter defense to a lineup that has struggled to contain opposing scorers.
The forward is under contract through 2027, giving the organization flexibility as it evaluates its long-term core during a rebuilding season.
The deal also allows Sacramento to convert Dylan Cardwell from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal, providing frontcourt depth.
Chicago emerged as a facilitator in the trade, acquiring Saric and draft assets while waiving guard Jevon Carter to create roster space.
Saric, 31, appeared in five games for the Kings this season and now joins a Bulls team currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings at 24-25.
Cleveland enters the second half of the season at 29-21, tied for fifth in the East, and positioned to adjust its rotation ahead of the playoff race.
