The Cavaliers are looking to deepen their lineup as they aim for another shot at the playoffs.
In a deal involving three teams, the Bulls traded DeAndre Hunter to the Kings, who sit at the bottom of the Western Conference. In return, Chicago received guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, along with two second-round picks and forward Dario Saric.
This move reportedly clears up around $50 million in salary and luxury tax space, allowing them to operate comfortably under the second apron next season.
Ellis, 26, has been averaging 5.6 points per game this season and has contributed significantly on the defensive end for the Kings.
Schroder, who has played for 11 different teams over his career, is putting up 12.8 points and 5.3 assists per game this season for Sacramento. He’s also had plenty of postseason experience, playing 74 playoff games, including last year, where he helped lead the Knicks to a tough six-game series against the Pistons.
In that first-round matchup, he logged over 27 minutes a game, averaging 12.5 points.
On the other hand, Hunter, who had started 23 of 43 games while averaging 14.0 points this season, is leaving behind a performance that didn’t quite match his previous year’s 17.0 points per game with Atlanta and Cleveland. He was also a finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award last season.
While this trade isn’t exactly monumental, it certainly sets the stage as the NBA’s February 5 trade deadline approaches.
The Cavaliers have positioned themselves well in the Eastern Conference, currently sitting fifth and tied with the Raptors in terms of winning percentage. Their path to the NBA Finals remains open, especially with key players like Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum sidelined due to torn Achilles injuries.
Another trade possibility looming is that of Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has reportedly shown a willingness to move on from Milwaukee, the only team he has known.
As reported, the Knicks are likely to be among the teams interested in signing Antetokounmpo, although it’s still uncertain if they have the roster depth to compete with other franchises for this star player.
For the moment, smaller trades are expected to continue.
