Nothing New Under the Sun: Dennis Schroder Joins Another Team

The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded veteran Dennis Schroder and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Tre Mann, according to acclaimed journalist Shams Charania. This move provides Cleveland with financial flexibility and tax savings, while Schroder is set to join his 12th NBA team.

With this transaction, Charlotte acquires an established veteran point guard, while Cleveland gains additional financial maneuverability as they continue to explore roster adjustments ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Schroder also has prior connections with Hornets President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson and Head Coach Charles Lee, stemming from the early stages of his NBA career in Atlanta. Both Peterson and Lee worked for the Hawks organization during Schroder's tenure there.

According to Charania, Charlotte, Cleveland, and Schroder's agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, had been working on this deal for several months before finalizing an agreement.

The 32-year-old guard was drafted by Atlanta with the 17th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. Since then, he has played for the Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, and Cavaliers. He also had two separate stints with the Lakers.

Schroder arrived in Cleveland during the 2025-26 season as part of a three-team trade that sent De'Andre Hunter to Sacramento. He concluded that campaign averaging 10.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds across 70 games.

For Cleveland, Schroder's transfer carries significant financial implications. The deal creates more flexibility for future roster moves while also helping the Cavaliers generate tax savings and remain comfortably below the second apron of the salary cap.

In Mann, Cleveland acquires a younger option for their backcourt while simultaneously reducing their financial commitments. Charlotte, on the other hand, adds an experienced playmaker with extensive playoff experience and familiarity with two key figures in their organization.