The Charlotte Hornets have surfaced as a possible landing spot for Dennis Schroder, with a report tying the veteran guard to a potential trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that Charlotte has interest in Schroder. Scotto also noted that Cleveland could need to move him in order to open up cap space for LeBron James or Jonathan Kuminga.
"The Charlotte Hornets have been linked with interest in Schroder, league sources told HoopsHype," Scotto wrote. "It’s worth noting that Hornets executive Jeff Peterson is said to still be a fan of Schroder dating back to their time together in Atlanta."
Schroder is under contract for $14,809,200 next season and $15,514,400 in 2027-28. Cleveland got him from the Sacramento Kings last season, and his numbers shifted after the move. He put up 12.8 points and 5.3 assists per game with Sacramento, then averaged 8.2 points and 4.3 assists per game with the Cavaliers.
Now 32, Schroder has been around the league since 2013 and has built a long NBA resume. The Braunschweig native has suited up for the Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Kings and Cavaliers.
For Charlotte, the fit is easy to see. The team traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer, and Coby White is set to open next season as the starting point guard. Schroder could give the Hornets a veteran backup behind White.
Schroder’s career numbers sit at 13.7 points and 4.9 assists per game in the regular season, along with 10.7 points and 3.4 assists per game in the playoffs.
Charlotte is projected to start White, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Naz Reid and Moussa Diabaté next season. On paper, that group gives the Hornets a strong-looking starting five.
The Hornets missed the playoffs by one game last season and have not been back since 2016. Even so, the roster outlook is drawing attention with White, Miller, Knueppel, Reid and Diabaté at the center of it.
Reid, meanwhile, is set to start for the first time in his NBA career next season. The 26-year-old will be worth watching in head coach Charles Lee's system after winning the 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Reid has career averages of 11.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in the regular season, plus 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in the playoffs.
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