Cavs Upgrade: Schroder Ellis for DeAndre Hunter

Late Saturday, Shams Charania reported the three-team deal: "The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis," with the Chicago Bulls getting Dario Saric and two future second-round picks. Cleveland walks away with clearer backcourt depth and about $50 million in salary and tax relief, an immediate upgrade. Chicago quietly turned a roster move into future assets. Sacramento took a risky, win-now swing by adding Hunter to a veteran group that many think should be collecting youth and picks. Merlin sees a tidy victor in Cleveland. Ellis brings defense and shooting, Schroder brings veteran juice, and the cap savings matter as much as minutes. Hunter’s contract and fit make him a fragile chess piece for Sacramento; he must adapt to keep value. The Bulls played the long game and gained cheap odds on the future.