NBA trade rumors: De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento? Kings eye major shake-up as Cleveland Cavaliers star emerges as key name in potential deadline deal

At this year's trade deadline, the Sacramento Kings are getting ready to make some significant changes. They are also looking forward to the departure of its veterans and doing a fresh start. However, fourth-year guard Keon Ellis is now the most probable candidate to be dealt.

According to reports, the Lakers and Cavaliers have explored a trade that would involve a third team, Brooklyn, and send Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht out of Los Angeles. The Cavaliers would trade De'Andre Hunter to Sacramento.

De’Andre Hunter trade framework draws mixed reactions as Kings, Cavaliers, and Lakers explore multi-team deal

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, trade talks between the Kings and Cavaliers would send Ellis and Dennis Schröder to Cleveland. The Cavaliers would trade De'Andre Hunter to Sacramento in exchange.

Scotto reported on Saturday:

"Cleveland and Sacramento have discussed a framework that would send Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter to the Kings for Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroeder, and Dario Saric, league sources told HoopsHype. A third team could be looped in to take on Saric, and second-round draft pick compensation also could be added to the framework, sources said.”

Additionally, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported on the Wine & Gold Podcast:

"My sources tell me that the Cavs and the Lakers have discussed a general framework surrounding De'Andre Hunter of Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht and then bringing in a third team."





Although the Cavaliers have emerged as a top destination, Ellis is allegedly receiving some attention on the trade market from roughly half of the league. Additionally, even though he would probably be transferred to a third team, Dario Saric is also involved.

Hunter is an intriguing talent who might contribute to the Kings' victory. It is anticipated that the Kings will receive a first-round selection in exchange for the guard, as over half of the league has expressed interest in Ellis.

However, the sources further said that although it would be ideal for the Kings to terminate Schröder's contract, accepting Hunter's contract is also not a pleasant scenario.

Salary cap limits and future draft picks complicate De’Andre Hunter’s trade possibilities

The Cavaliers are past the second apron, which makes it difficult to create any transaction with these teams. Neither team can acquire several players in a trade, nor can they get more money than they put out. In addition, the Lakers are currently under $1 million from their hard cap at the first apron.

Hence, as per sources, it would be simple to move during the summer or at the trade deadline the following year if they make this deal now. For the sole purpose of trading Hunter away later, Kings general manager Scott Perry may try to acquire a long wing with a history of involving other teams.

Nevertheless, Kings club that isn't in a rush to be competitive would find it worthwhile to take a chance like this because Hunter on an expiring contract is more valuable than a combination of Ellis and Schröder right now.



Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals. Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.