Sacramento Kings Trade Grade: C-
Not 100 percent sure what Sacramento (12-38) is doing. But this trade could be the first of a few deals made as DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Zach LaVine trade candidates.
Hunter is theoretically an upgrade over Schroder and Ellis due to his high-volume three-point shooting and defensive capabilities. But the 28-year-old is having the worst season since his rookie campaign, and he has not been strong defensively as usual. However, he will likely take over the defensive stopper role for the Kings, as they don’t have anyone to fill it.
Plus, the Kings were hoping to get a first-round pick for Ellis. Not only did they not get a draft pick, but they also had to send out draft capital to entice the Bulls to get involved.
On the plus side, Hunter is an established “3-and-D” wing and is under contract for next season. The Kings also see him as a valuable complement to Keegan Murray in their frontcourt, per Hoopshype Michael Scotto. He is also younger than Schroder, who is under contract through 2027-28.
Sacramento is in Washington tonight. Hunter is a game-time decision, though it will be a surprise if he plays. Westbrook (foot) and Monk (ankle) are questionable, while Murray (ankle) remains out.
Kings To Fill Open Roster Spot By Promoting Dylan Caldwell
While Sacramento adds salary this year and next year, putting them over the tax threshold at least temporarily for next season, the Kings did open up a roster spot for the rest of the season. Scotto added that the trade also allows Doug Christie to give more time to play Nique Clifford. Additionally, Scotto noted that the Kings will promote Dylan Crawford from his two-way spot.
“Sources: Kings value De’Andre Hunter alongside Keegan Murray, remove Dennis Schroder’s salary for 2027-28, open time for Nique Clifford, will convert 2-way Dylan Cardwell, and sent out a 2029 least favorable 2nd-round pick (DET/MIL/NY) as part of the trade,” Scotto tweeted.
Clifford has struggled this year for the most part, but the 23-year-old did have a solid December. However, Caldwell, who went undrafted this past June, has been a pleasant surprise. The 24-year-old center has been outstanding on the glass, provided rim-protection, and has finished well at the rim. But it’s pretty limited offensively overall.
