The Cavaliers and Kings have discussed the framework of a deal involving forward De’Andre Hunter and guard Keon Ellis, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports.
In that scenario, Hunter would be dealt to the Kings for Ellis, Dennis Schröder, and Dario Saric. It’s also possible that a third team could be involved to take on Saric’s contract with second-round draft pick compensation added as a sweetener.
Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported on Friday that trade talks involving Ellis were intensifying and that Cleveland was among the teams in the mix. Ellis becomes extension-eligible on February 9, shortly after the trade deadline. If he doesn’t sign a new contract, he’ll enter unrestricted free agency this summer. He’s making just $2.3MM this season.
Schröder would present a more long-term commitment for the Cavs. He’s making $14.1MM this season and is owed $14.81MM for next season. He also has a partial guarantee of $4.35MM for the 2027/28 season. Saric is on an expiring $5.43MM deal.
Hunter, who has been a disappointment since Cleveland acquired him from Atlanta, is making $23.3MM this season and is on the books for $24.91MM next season. As a second-apron team, the Cavs can’t use Hunter’s contract to take back more salary than they send out, but Ellis, Schröder, and Saric earn a combined $21.8MM and could be accommodated.
The two teams have also discussed another scenario involving Ellis in which he would be paired with Malik Monk in a deal for Hunter. However, the Cavaliers are concerned about Monk’s contact, which has two years and $41.77MM remaining on it over the next two seasons, Scotto notes.
The Cavaliers have also talked about moving Hunter with at least one other prominent team — Scotto confirms they’ve discussed the framework of a deal that would land Hunter with the Lakers in exchange for Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht. That proposed deal would also include a third team, possibly Brooklyn.
Hachimura has an expiring $18.26MM contract. Knecht is making $4MM this season in the second year of his rookie deal.
Schroder is yet another small guard for the Cavs…. not ideal.
They would be doing the deal for Ellis to fill the role Ball was supposed to this year. Schroeder would be salary matching–if this goes through, I would not be surprised if they move him in another deal.
But Ball has not filled that role satisfactorily. Who would you rather have in a playoff game, Ball or Schroeder? The other factor is Garland’s injuries. If he is not 100% in the post-season, another point guard who can create might be a life-saver.
I have no idea why everyone is talking about Ellis so much and also why are the kings not playing a good 3 and D guard
Wtf is Scott Perry thinking… let’s trade a guy making no money for a guy making 24 million this year AND next year. I get that you’re getting off the Shroeder money but his AAV is like 10 million less than Hunter and he plays a position of need for the Kings.
Ellis is also the only asset that people want. You’re telling me you can’t squeeze a very late 1st out of a contender that would want him? Not even an uber protected first?? The best answer is taking Clevelands garbage and hoping that garbage turns to gold in the land where only garbage is made?
Im convinced we are in a simulation. It seems that whatever I have done in a past life has earned me a spot in purgatory. A brainless insect could run this team better. It would actually be more beneficial for this team to just have every single contract expire and let the players walk than it is trying to trade them away because somehow there is a clause in the NBA bylaws that the Kings have to make the dumbest trade you’ve ever seen every 16 months.
Rome wasn’t built in a day right Scott?