Cleveland Cavaliers Lose Free Agent Guard to Eastern Conference Team

The Cleveland Cavaliers are losing Keon Ellis in free agency as he has inked a two-year, $18 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

Ellis was acquired at the trade deadline in a deal with the Sacramento Kings. The 26-year-old appeared in 29 games for the Cavs and was solid, averaging 8.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three.

While Ellis is a talented player and was a solid 3&D player for Cleveland, they didn't have the money to keep him. The Cavs are looking to avoid the second apron, which is leading to many difficult contract decisions. 

Cleveland traded down in the 2026 NBA Draft to save some money and has now allowed Ellis and Dean Wade to walk in free agency.

The Cavs still have an expensive roster with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen all on big contracts. Cleveland is also looking to re-sign star guard James Harden and lure LeBron James to return for a third stint with the franchise.

The Cavs also have some mid-tier contracts with Max Strus making $16.6 million, Dennis Schroder making $14.8 million, and Sam Merrill making $9.1 million.

Cleveland may have to part with one of those role players to help them stay under the second apron while building a roster capable of winning a championship.

While the Cavs made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, they are still not close to winning a championship, as they were swept by the New York Knicks. Cleveland also struggled in the first and second rounds, as both series went to seven games against the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons.

Teams in the East are also improving, as the Miami Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Raptors have traded for Kawhi Leonard.

Koby Altman and the Cavs front office have their work cut out for them as they try to build a title contender around Mitchell and Mobley, with losses to role players like Ellis and Wade starting to pile up.

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