Keon Ellis trade grades: Cavaliers score massive win as Kings make yet another puzzling deal
With the February 5 trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Cleveland Cavaliers have struck gold, executing a three-team blockbuster that significantly bolsters their rotation while shedding long-term salary. In a move that has left league executives scratching their heads regarding the Sacramento Kings' direction, Cleveland turned the struggling contract of De’Andre Hunter into two high-impact rotation pieces: defensive ace Keon Ellis and veteran floor general Dennis Schröder.
The deal, finalized late Saturday, sends Hunter to Sacramento, while the Chicago Bulls facilitate the trade by absorbing Dario Saric. However, the headline is undeniably the robbery committed by the Cavs’ front office. By acquiring Ellis, Cleveland lands exactly the type of 3-and-D perimeter stopper they have coveted to pair with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
For Cleveland, this is a massive win. Ellis, despite inexplicably falling out of Mike Brown’s rotation in Sacramento this season, remains an elite point-of-attack defender who shot over 40% from deep in previous campaigns. His ability to navigate screens and harass opposing ball-handlers addresses the Cavaliers' most glaring perimeter weakness. Adding Schröder provides crucial insurance; the veteran guard brings playoff experience and stability to a bench unit that has often lacked a steady hand when the stars sit. Furthermore, moving off Hunter’s hefty contract creates significant financial flexibility for a team navigating the second apron.
Conversely, the Sacramento Kings receive a failing grade for a move that reeks of desperation. Trading two productive guards for Hunter—a wing who has regressed offensively and struggled to stay healthy—is a puzzling gamble. Sacramento takes on significant future money for a player who was effectively a negative asset in Cleveland this season. While the Kings desperately needed size on the wing, sacrificing their best perimeter defender in Ellis and a reliable sixth man in Schröder seems like a steep overpay. As Cleveland gears up for a serious Eastern Conference title push with a deeper, more versatile roster, Sacramento appears to be drifting further into basketball purgatory without a clear plan.
The deal, finalized late Saturday, sends Hunter to Sacramento, while the Chicago Bulls facilitate the trade by absorbing Dario Saric. However, the headline is undeniably the robbery committed by the Cavs’ front office. By acquiring Ellis, Cleveland lands exactly the type of 3-and-D perimeter stopper they have coveted to pair with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
For Cleveland, this is a massive win. Ellis, despite inexplicably falling out of Mike Brown’s rotation in Sacramento this season, remains an elite point-of-attack defender who shot over 40% from deep in previous campaigns. His ability to navigate screens and harass opposing ball-handlers addresses the Cavaliers' most glaring perimeter weakness. Adding Schröder provides crucial insurance; the veteran guard brings playoff experience and stability to a bench unit that has often lacked a steady hand when the stars sit. Furthermore, moving off Hunter’s hefty contract creates significant financial flexibility for a team navigating the second apron.
Conversely, the Sacramento Kings receive a failing grade for a move that reeks of desperation. Trading two productive guards for Hunter—a wing who has regressed offensively and struggled to stay healthy—is a puzzling gamble. Sacramento takes on significant future money for a player who was effectively a negative asset in Cleveland this season. While the Kings desperately needed size on the wing, sacrificing their best perimeter defender in Ellis and a reliable sixth man in Schröder seems like a steep overpay. As Cleveland gears up for a serious Eastern Conference title push with a deeper, more versatile roster, Sacramento appears to be drifting further into basketball purgatory without a clear plan.
