Cleveland Secures Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder in Deadline Trade

CLEVELAND (Azat TV) – The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly finalized a significant roster move, acquiring guard Keon Ellis and veteran point guard Dennis Schroder from the Sacramento Kings. This transaction, reported on February 1, 2026, involves the Cavaliers sending forward De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento, marking a pivotal shift for both franchises as the NBA trade deadline approaches.

The deal positions Ellis and Schroder to join the Cavaliers, aiming to bolster their backcourt depth and playmaking capabilities. For Sacramento, the acquisition of Hunter adds a versatile forward to their lineup, potentially enhancing their defensive presence and scoring options on the wing.

Keon Ellis and Schroder Join Cavaliers

The addition of Keon Ellis to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster represents a strategic move to integrate a young, developing talent into their system. Ellis, known for his defensive prowess and athleticism, is expected to provide energy and depth in the guard rotation. His arrival could offer the Cavaliers more flexibility in their defensive schemes and a potential long-term asset.

Dennis Schroder, an experienced point guard, brings a proven track record of facilitating offense and providing scoring off the bench. His veteran leadership and ability to control the pace of the game could be invaluable for the Cavaliers, particularly in high-pressure situations. Schroder’s playmaking skills are likely to complement Cleveland’s existing core, offering a reliable option to run the second unit or provide stability when starters rest.

Impact on Cavaliers’ Roster Strategy

For the Cleveland Cavaliers, this trade signifies an intent to refine their roster for a stronger push in the current season and beyond. By bringing in Ellis and Schroder, the team addresses immediate needs for backcourt depth and perimeter defense. The move also suggests a focus on acquiring players who can contribute to a more dynamic offensive attack while maintaining defensive integrity. The financial implications and future draft capital involved in this trade were not immediately clear, but the player swap itself is a direct attempt to enhance the team’s competitiveness.

Kings Bolster Forward Depth with Hunter

On the other side of the deal, the Sacramento Kings’ acquisition of De’Andre Hunter provides them with a talented two-way forward. Hunter’s ability to defend multiple positions and his consistent perimeter shooting make him a valuable asset. His presence is expected to strengthen the Kings’ frontcourt rotation and provide another reliable scoring option, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations. This trade could help Sacramento solidify its wing depth, an area often critical for success in the demanding Western Conference.

NBA Trade Deadline Intensifies

This reported trade between the Cavaliers and Kings is one of several transactions expected to occur as the NBA trade deadline draws near. Teams across the league are actively seeking opportunities to either upgrade their rosters for a playoff push or shed contracts and acquire draft assets for future rebuilding efforts. The movement of players like Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, and De’Andre Hunter underscores the high stakes and strategic maneuvering characteristic of this period in the NBA calendar.

The exchange of key players like Ellis, Schroder, and Hunter highlights the ongoing strategic adjustments teams make to optimize their rosters for immediate contention and long-term planning, particularly as the trade deadline mandates decisive action.