How good will Sacramento Kings be the rest of the season now that they have DeAndre Hunter? The consensus on NBA X is that they will be much worse.
Shams Charania broke the news that the Kings have decided to deal Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis, and some more picks in exchange for Hunter of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 28-year-old forward is a 14 points per game guy for Cavaliers which is not that far from the total combined output between Schroder and Ellis.
Cavs turn Hunter’s slot into backcourt depth and create $50 million in salary and tax savings this season. Kings receive an established 3-and-D wing under contract through 2027 at age of 28 and roster flexibility, including converting two-way Dylan Cardwell to a standard deal. https://t.co/JF9EapXYpk
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2026
Kings are at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They are not a win-now team and that is what most do no understand about this move. Some observes and fans thought they are not learning their lessons and they just continue to take bad deals.
The Kings and Bulls are just out here doing charity work for the smart teams.
First they give the Spurs that 2031 pick swap to take on Harrison Barnes.
Then they get to together to get De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio.
Now they team up to make the Cavs better AND save them money.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) February 1, 2026
The Sacramento Kings need to be eradicated from the NBA pic.twitter.com/ki1XOfSeu4 https://t.co/9uEcPqgng5
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) February 1, 2026
As for the Cavaliers, it is an outright win for them.
Fascinating deal for the Cavaliers. Two quality backcourt rotation pieces. Garland suddenly feels quite expendable if it’s for a bigger wing. Garland for MPJ or Murphy? A smaller trade with Lonzo is obviously more realistic, but I’d imagine more will come for Cleveland. https://t.co/xxCtdVnDow
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) February 1, 2026
I’ll never understand why the Kings couldn’t make it work with Keon Ellis. 41.6% career from 3 with excellent perimeter D. And still only 26. I don’t get it! Going to make an instant impact for the Cavs. https://t.co/xxCtdVnDow
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) February 1, 2026
“We’re looking for young players”
Hunter is 28 years old
“We’re looking to trim salary”
Kings added a ton of money this year and next
“We’re looking to add draft assets
Kings traded away a second round pick
Unbelievable
— Professor OAK 🇵🇸 (@o_a_khan) February 1, 2026
Sacramento Kings are not done making moves
The Hunter acquisition is only first of the many moves Kings are predicted to make this season.
It can either be something for players they already have or a preparation for the 2027 season according to insider Marc Spears.
“The Kings excited about De’Andre Hunter’s 6-7 height at his position, shooting, two-way ability and character,” Spears wrote on X.
“Addition won’t affect Kings’ ambition to have salary cap space in 2027. Kings can now convert Dylan Cardwell to a full contract and give more minutes to Nique Clifford.”
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