Cavs, Kings Discussing Deal Involving Hunter, Ellis

The Cavaliers and Kings have discussed the framework of a deal involving forward De’Andre Hunter and guard Keon Ellis, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reports.

In that scenario, Hunter would be dealt to the Kings for Ellis, Dennis Schroder, 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. Ellis becomes extension eligible on February 9, shortly after the trade deadline. If he doesn’t sign an extension, he’ll enter unrestricted free agency this summer. He’s making just $2.3MM this season.

Schroeder 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, Cleveland wouldn’t be able to acquire Ellis without sending out a player who has a larger cap hit such as Hunter.

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 discussed moving Hunter with at least one other prominent team. 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.

Hachimura has an expiring $18.26MM contract. Knecht is making $4MM this season in the second year of his rookie deal.