CLEVELAND, Ohio — While the [Cavs’ acquisition of Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis addresses immediate needs](https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2026/02/report-cavs-trade-deandre-hunter-to-kings.html), it also introduces intriguing long-term questions about the roster’s future.
In a recent discussion on the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast, cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor and host Ethan Sands examined how this trade could potentially signal future moves, including All-Star guard Darius Garland.
The podcast conversation ventured beyond immediate implications into potential roster implications that could reshape the Cavaliers’ core.
“Anytime you bring in two guys that could theoretically fill backcourt spots, I do think you have to, at least in your mind, consider what does this mean for Darius Garland?” Fedor questioned on the podcast. “Maybe not now, maybe not Thursday at 3 p.m., but what does it mean moving forward?”
This isn’t idle speculation. The Cavaliers have carefully assembled a roster with specific playoff expectations, and disappointment could trigger significant changes. Fedor has consistently indicated that underwhelming playoff results could lead to major roster reconsideration.
“I said from the very beginning that if things don’t go the way that the Cavs expect them to or want them to this year when it comes to the playoffs, if they have another early flame out, then they are going to look at significant personnel changes,” Fedor explained.
Having Schröder on the roster potentially provides Cleveland’s front office with options they didn’t have before.
As Fedor noted, “Does this make it a little bit easier to have those conversations in the offseason? Probably because you have potential replacements already on your roster.”
This doesn’t mean the Cavaliers are actively looking to move Garland.
Fedor emphasized that Garland remains a crucial piece of Cleveland’s offense, stating they “need his speed, they need his change of direction. They need his ability to break down the defense and create advantages for this offense.” But the strategic flexibility now exists if the right opportunity emerges.
“If a deal presents itself that they would look at and say that makes us better, that’s improvement, then of course they’re going to consider it. They have to consider it,” Fedor said.
The podcast conversation explored specific hypothetical trades that might make sense if Cleveland decides to reconfigure their roster even before the trade deadline.
Fedor and Sands listed Garland for Michael Porter Jr, Garland for Trey Murphy III and Garland for Herbert Jones as scenarios that could pique Cleveland’s interest.
Such discussions highlight the broader implications of the Schröder-Ellis trade beyond immediate roster improvement. The Cavaliers may be simultaneously addressing current weaknesses while creating options for future moves.
For Cleveland fans concerned about the team’s championship window, this strategic positioning could prove vital. If the current core fails to advance deep into the playoffs, the front office now has more flexibility to make significant changes without starting from scratch.
Want to hear the complete analysis of how the Schröder-Ellis trade might reshape the Cavaliers’ future? Listen to the full episode of the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast where Chris Fedor and Ethan Sands explore all the potential implications of Cleveland’s deadline moves for this season and beyond.
Here’s the podcast for this week: