The clock is ticking toward the NBA trade deadline, and one name is suddenly dominating chatter across front offices: De’Andre Hunter. Fresh reports suggest the Atlanta Hawks wing could be headed to the Sacramento Kings in a bold, multi-team maneuver that also involves the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers [[1]]. But while the potential fit is tantalizing, this De’Andre Hunter trade is far from a done deal—thanks to thorny salary cap math and competing team priorities.
Table of Contents
- The Proposed Deal Breakdown
- Why the Kings Want De’Andre Hunter
- What Atlanta Gets in Return
- Where the Lakers and Cavaliers Fit In
- Salary Cap and Draft Pick Complications
- How This Impacts the Playoff Race
- Conclusion: Will the Trade Happen?
- Sources
The Proposed Deal Breakdown
According to multiple league sources, the framework under discussion would send De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks to the Sacramento Kings [[1]]. In return, the Kings would part with wing defender Keon Ellis and veteran point guard Dennis Schröder. However, because Schröder’s contract doesn’t align neatly with Hunter’s for salary-matching purposes under NBA rules, the Lakers and Cavaliers are being looped in to balance the books—a classic sign of a complex, multi-team trade.
This isn’t just a simple swap. It’s a carefully orchestrated financial ballet where every dollar and roster spot matters. The involvement of two additional contenders adds layers of negotiation, as each team must see clear value beyond just facilitating the main transaction.
Why the Kings Want De’Andre Hunter
Sacramento has been vocal about its need for defensive versatility and reliable two-way wings. Enter De’Andre Hunter—a 6’8″ forward with a strong track record of guarding elite perimeter scorers and a career 37% three-point shooting clip [[2]]. For a Kings team pushing for a deep playoff run but lacking consistent wing depth behind Harrison Barnes, Hunter represents a near-perfect fit.
His ability to play both forward spots, switch on defense, and knock down open threes complements De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis beautifully. In today’s NBA, where positionless basketball reigns, Hunter’s skill set is exactly what contending teams covet. [INTERNAL_LINK:sacramento-kings-roster-needs]
What Atlanta Gets in Return
For the Hawks, moving Hunter clears significant salary (he’s on a $19.5M expiring deal) and opens up minutes for younger players like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels. In exchange, they’d acquire Keon Ellis—a high-upside, low-cost defensive specialist—and Dennis Schröder, whose expiring $14.3M contract offers flexibility this summer [[3]].
While Schröder isn’t a long-term piece in Atlanta, his veteran presence could stabilize the second unit during a rebuilding phase. More importantly, if Atlanta can extract a future draft pick from either L.A. or Cleveland as part of the larger package, the deal becomes even more appealing from a rebuild perspective.
Where the Lakers and Cavaliers Fit In
So why are the Lakers and Cavs involved? Likely scenarios include:
- Lakers: Could absorb a contract to help facilitate the deal in exchange for a future second-round pick or a young asset, while clearing minor cap space.
- Cavaliers: Might be seeking backcourt depth or a versatile defender themselves, potentially taking Schröder or another piece to bolster their rotation for a title push.
Both teams have the cap flexibility and incentive to make marginal upgrades before the deadline. Their participation isn’t about landing a star—it’s about fine-tuning a contender.
Salary Cap and Draft Pick Complications
Here’s where the De’Andre Hunter trade gets messy. The NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement imposes strict rules on how salaries can be matched in trades, especially for teams over the luxury tax apron (like the Kings). Moving Hunter’s $19.5M requires sending out nearly equivalent salary—something Ellis ($2.1M) and Schröder ($14.3M) don’t quite cover without help [[4]].
Additionally, draft capital is a sticking point. Atlanta is reportedly demanding at least one future pick, but the Kings—already light on first-rounders due to past deals—are reluctant to part with more. As ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski notes, “Teams are increasingly protective of their draft assets unless the return is transformative” [[5]].
These complications mean the deal could collapse if any party blinks—or it could evolve into a completely different structure by deadline day.
How This Impacts the Playoff Race
If completed, this trade would significantly alter the Western Conference landscape:
- Sacramento Kings: Instantly become a more formidable playoff opponent with enhanced wing defense and shooting.
- Atlanta Hawks: Signal a full pivot toward youth and future assets, likely falling out of postseason contention.
- Lakers & Cavaliers: Gain marginal upgrades that could prove decisive in tight playoff series.
For fans, it’s a reminder of how one well-timed move can shift a team’s trajectory overnight.
Conclusion: Will the Trade Happen?
The De’Andre Hunter trade to the Sacramento Kings is a compelling idea on paper—one that addresses real needs for multiple teams. But in the high-stakes world of NBA deadline negotiations, good ideas often die on the altar of cap mechanics and asset protection. While the framework exists, the window is narrow. With the deadline looming, expect frantic calls between GMs. Whether this specific deal materializes or morphs into something else, one thing is certain: the next 48 hours will be pivotal.
For the latest official updates on all NBA transactions, visit the NBA’s Trade Central page.
Sources
- [[1]] Times of India: NBA trade rumors: De’Andre Hunter linked to Sacramento Kings
- [[2]] Basketball Reference: De’Andre Hunter Player Stats
- [[3]] Spotrac: NBA Player Contracts – Dennis Schröder, Keon Ellis
- [[4]] NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Summary – Salary Matching Rules
- [[5]] ESPN: Woj’s Latest on NBA Trade Deadline Dynamics