With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Cavaliers are the first team to take a swing and improve their championship odds. This trade is between two cross-conference franchises. The Kings are looking to sell off a few role players for the potential of a former Number 4 overall pick, and the Cavaliers appear to be making win-now moves. Let’s dive into the trade!
Cavs’ Trade Hunter for Schroder & Ellis
The Sacramento Kings are shipping out Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to Cleveland for the former Number 4 overall pick De’Andre Hunter. The Chicago Bulls are also involved in this trade, but only for salary-cap purposes. Chicago is getting Dario Saric and two future second-round picks. This is an interesting move, coming from a team that looked like a championship contender last season to one that appears to be selling off what talent they have.
What Does This Mean for the Kings?
This is Kings‘ way of saying that it’s time to sell. They lose a lot of production outside of their 2-3 star players. Sacramento has been one of the most middle-of-the-pack teams for the majority of my life, and this is nothing short of just that. You acquire a 28-year-old wing who is a perfect fit for what’s left of the roster. They still have Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis; however, they aren’t doing much in the Western Conference.
What Does This Mean for the Cavs?
The Cavaliers are trading a forward who has had a nice season for two guards that give the team more versatility. Dennis Schroder, who can orchestrate the second unit while Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland are on the bench, and Keon Ellis, who is an elite defender and can hit threes if you need him to. This move gives the franchise more flexibility to make another move to thrust itself into championship contention.
What Does This Mean for the Bulls?
The Bulls are just the team that is essentially here for fun. The trade framework positions the Cavaliers and the Kings as the major beneficiaries of this transaction. Chicago is getting a bench player and two second-round picks just for being the team that absorbs the salary cap hit to make the trade go through. In these three team deals, there’s always a team that is purely needed for the salary cap.
Who Won the Trade?
The Cleveland Cavaliers won this trade. You move a 28-year-old forward who has been a great role player, but hasn’t lived up to his 4th overall draft pick, for a player who can run the second unit in Schroder, and a perfect three & D guard who can pick up some of the opposing teams’ best guards. This trade also gives you the ability to flip one of your star pieces for a win-now move you so desire.
Final Thoughts
With this move, Darius Garland becomes expendable for the Cavaliers. Could they move him and get a larger wing who can help them win right now? Maybe someone like Michael Porter Jr. or Trey Murphy III. Overall, I love this trade for the Cavs. What do you think of the trade? Does this move the needle for the Cavs in terms of contending in the Eastern Conference?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts on the Cleveland Cavaliers trading De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
