Just under a year after completing a trade with the Atlanta Hawks that brought them a then-surging De’Andre Hunter, the Cleveland Cavaliers have decided to send the former fourth overall pick to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal that’s landed them Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis and Emanuel Miller. The immediate reaction to the move will likely vary depending on who’s asked. On the surface, it’s the rare win-win for all parties involved. However, the ramification of the trade is at least one positional logjam that has to be solved with another head-turner.
Cavs-Kings Trade Leaves Position Logjam That Wizards Can Solve
It must be remembered that Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson embraces position-less basketball as much as he can. That emphasis on positional versatility not only makes for more creative schemes but often more effective ones. Nevertheless, most players have just one or two positions that they truly excel at.
Dennis Schroder
In Schroder’s case, he’s at his best as a lead guard but has routinely played as the off-guard throughout his career. Ellis is primarily a two-guard but has the wingspan to guard some of the longer (though not necessarily bigger) wings. Ideally, the Gambian-German floor general would slot in behind Darius Garland as his primary backup. Ellis’s best role would be coming off the bench behind Donovan Mitchell. Yet, it won’t be that cut-and-dry.
Although the Cavs definitely didn’t trade Hunter for Schroder to rot on their bench, they have two other rotation-caliber point guards: Craig Porter Jr. and Lonzo Ball. Porter’s pace, defense, playmaking and proven ability to step up have made him an important reserve. Ball hasn’t played well in 2025-26 but he’s long been praised for his IQ, passing and defensive upside.
Keon Ellis
When it comes to shooting guards and small forwards, the distinction can get pretty blurry. Regardless, it would be nice for Ellis to mainly be utilized as a shooting guard at 6-foot-4 and 175 pounds. Having his defense in the backcourt would also be nice with so many scoring-minded guards in the league.
However, Cleveland has developed a level of trust in and reliance on Sam Merrill that changes the equation. At 205 pounds, the 3-point sniper has 30 pounds on Ellis, helping him wall off larger players. Nevertheless, 72% of his career minutes have been played at shooting guard. Then there’s Jaylon Tyson, a well-rounded sophomore wing who has started at shooting guard in several games.
Trade Lonzo Ball, Continue To Start Jaylon Tyson
The most feasible solution to the Cavs’ stuffy backcourt rotation is to trade Ball.
Keep in mind that the Washington Wizards have recently “checked in on” the former second overall pick, per HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto. As he’d be a salary dump, the Wizards absorbing his salary into their $13.5 million trade exception, the Cavs would have to offer some form of draft compensation to Washington. Nonetheless, moving Ball would make it much easier for Schroder to get comfortable in Cleveland. Frankly, he’d still have to watch his back with Porter breathing down it. Even so, his shot-making and experience give him the upper-hand in a positional battle.
So far as Ellis, he could very well start alongside both Garland and Mitchell. However, Tyson’s height advantage aside, there’s something to be said about chemistry and continuity. With that being said, the Cavs are 18-12 with him in the first unit versus 8-7 when he’s coming off the bench. It would probably be best not to try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they can just bring him off the bench behind Mitchell, with Merrill shifting to small forward.
Darius Garland, Dennis Schroder, Craig Porter Jr.
Donovan Mitchell, Keon Ellis, Tyrese Proctor
Jaylon Tyson, Sam Merrill, Max Strus
Evan Mobley, Dean Wade, Chuma Okeke
Jarrett Allen, Larry Nance Jr., Thomas Bryant
Ultimately, the above depth chart is what should be expected for Cleveland post-trade.
© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
