The Cleveland Cavaliers are actively discussing trade scenarios involving Dennis Schroder as they explore ways to reconfigure their roster and create financial flexibility, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Fedor reported that Cleveland “continue to discuss various trade packages involving Schroder,” with the potential moves tied directly to the team’s pursuit of free agents Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson. Schroder has two years remaining on his three-year, $44.4 million contract.
Schroder, 32, appeared in 30 games for the Cavs during the 2025-26 season and averaged 8.2 points, 4.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game. He shot 40.1% from the field, 29.0% from three-point range and 86.1% from the free-throw line.
The veteran guard’s contract represents a significant consideration for a Cavaliers team already carrying a projected 2026-27 payroll above $224 million. Moving Schroder could therefore give Cleveland more room to operate while maintaining its core after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
Schroder’s role was limited during the 2025-26 regular season, with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden handling much of the team’s primary ball-handling responsibilities. Mitchell averaged 27.9 points and 5.7 assists in 70 games, while Harden averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 appearances after joining Cleveland.
The Cavaliers finished the regular season 52-30, good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference, before advancing through a seven-game series against Detroit in the conference semifinals. Cleveland’s postseason run ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Knicks swept the Cavaliers 4-0.
Cleveland has already committed to Mitchell as its franchise centerpiece, signing him to a four-year supermax extension worth up to $273 million in July. The Cavaliers also continue to build around Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who averaged 18.2 points and 9.0 rebounds and 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds, respectively, during the regular season.
The financial implications of Schroder’s contract are particularly relevant as Cleveland evaluates additions such as Kuminga and Watson. A trade could reduce salary commitments while giving the Cavaliers another mechanism to reshape a roster that remains firmly committed to competing near the top of the Eastern Conference.
