Cavaliers
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Cleveland Cavaliers just took a big step closer to landing one of the top players left in NBA free agency.
Outside of pursuing league and franchise icon LeBron James in free agency, this has been a quiet offseason for the Cavaliers. That isn’t too surprising since they reached the Eastern Conference Finals this spring, and the organization believes they can get to the Finals in 2027 after a full training camp with mid-season addition James Harden.
But that doesn’t mean Cleveland’s front office isn’t trying to improve the roster this summer. It is why the future Hall of Famer has not signed a long-expected multi-year deal, as they attempt to land restricted free agents like Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson.
However, to make those additions a reality, the Cavs needed to slash payroll. Well, they finally did that with a long-rumored trade on Friday.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading Dennis Schroder and cash to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann, sources tell ESPN.”
– Shams Charania
What the Dennis Schroder trade means for the Cleveland Cavaliers
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Mar 25, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Cavaliers were the only team in the NBA above the second salary tax apron this past season. While they are well below it now, that is only because Harden has not signed a new contract. If they hope to add an impact player and also re-sign Harden, they needed to move the over $29 million still owed to Schroder and/or the $16.6 million Max Strus will make in the final year of his deal.
Both Watsona and Kuminga — the two best players left in NBA free agency not named Jalen Duren — are looking for deals over $20 million per season. Getting Schroder’s $14.8 million for next season off the books, and inking Harden to a new deal that pays him around $35 million annually could make a deal for either player a lot more possible now.
To acquire either, the Cavaliers would need to agree to a sign-and-trade with the Denver Nuggets or Atlanta Hawks, respectively. A future first-round pick and Strus might be included in such a deal.