Done! The second major trade is complete! The Lakers are completely out of the running for a 2.01-meter wing player.

The second big trade has taken place as follows:

The Kings acquire Hunter;

The Cavaliers receive Schröder and Ellis;

The Bulls get Saric plus two second-round draft picks.

Schröder has been a force on the FIBA court, winning MVP awards at the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 EuroBasket, but his NBA journey has been turbulent, switching teams 11 times in 13 years.

Up to now, Schröder has played 40 games with 14 starts, averaging 26.4 minutes, contributing 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 40.8%, 34.3%, and 82%. His current contract runs through the summer of 2028, with a salary of $14.1 million this season and a combined $30.32 million over the next two seasons.

Schröder responded by saying, "I'm very happy, grateful to the Kings, and excited about my future with the Cavaliers."

There’s no doubt this guy will continue to play the sixth man role on his new team, which currently stands fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 29-21 record.

In fact, the main reason the Cavaliers made this trade was to save money, potentially cutting luxury tax expenses by about $50 million.

Although the Lakers were not involved, they were surely upset late at night because Ellis and Hunter were originally their trade targets, only to end up helping others drive up the price.

Ellis, a 1.93-meter combo guard, has averaged 17.6 minutes this season, scoring 5.6 points and 1.3 rebounds, with shooting percentages of 39.7% and 36.8%. Hunter, a 2.01-meter wing/guard swingman, is playing 26.2 minutes per game, posting 14 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, shooting 42.3% and 30.8%.

Specifically regarding Hunter, some American reporters have noted that the Lakers were even willing to trade Rui Hachimura (in the final contract year, $18.31 million salary) plus Knecht... Hachimura's salary this season is $23.3 million and $24.91 million next season.

Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs"; discussing them is pointless.

The trade deadline closes on February 6, leaving little time; the Lakers and all other teams need to act quickly.