Cavs talking De’Andre Hunter trade with Kings, Lakers

The Cavaliers continue to work the phones as the Thursday trade deadline approaches, and one familiar name keeps popping up.

Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Cavs and Kings have discussed a trade framework centered on De’Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis.

In that scenario, Hunter would land in Sacramento, with Cleveland receiving Ellis, Dennis Schroder, and Dario Saric. A third team could also be looped in to absorb Saric’s expiring contract, potentially with second-round pick compensation attached.

This lines up with recent reporting from The Stein Line’s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, who noted that talks involving Ellis have intensified and that the Cavs are among the teams showing interest.

Ellis makes just $2.3 million, becomes extension-eligible on February 9, and would hit unrestricted free agency this summer if no deal is reached.

Schroder represents a longer commitment. He is owed $14.81 million next season and carries a partial guarantee for 2027-28. Saric, meanwhile, is on a $5.43 million expiring deal.

From the Cavs’ perspective, the math works. As a second-apron team, they cannot take back more salary than they send out, but Ellis, Schroder, and Saric combine for roughly $21.8 million, making a Hunter deal workable without gymnastics.

Hunter is owed $24.91 million next season and has yet to find consistency since arriving from Atlanta.

Sacramento and Cleveland have also discussed an alternate structure that would pair Ellis with Malik Monk, though the Cavs have reservations about Monk’s remaining two years and $41.77 million.

The Kings are not the only team in the mix. Scotto confirms the Cavs also discussed a Hunter framework with the Lakers, one that would bring back Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht, potentially with Brooklyn involved as a facilitator.