The Cavaliers didn’t walk away from the Dennis Schroder deal with a perfect score, but ESPN still gave them the cleaner grade.
Zach Kram of ESPN handed Cleveland a B for its trade with the Hornets, while Charlotte checked in at a B-minus. The difference, as Kram framed it, comes down to what the move does for the Cavs’ books and what it might allow them to do next.
Cleveland swapped out Schroder’s $14.8 million salary for Tre Mann’s $8 million deal, trimming about $6.8 million in the process. ESPN cap expert Bobby Marks said that puts the Cavaliers roughly $32 million below the first apron and $44 million below the second.
That breathing room won’t all stick around. James Harden is expected to re-sign, and that will eat into some of the flexibility. Still, the extra space could matter if Cleveland keeps hunting for help, with Peyton Watson and Jonathan Kuminga among the forwards linked to the team.
On the floor, ESPN didn’t see Schroder’s exit as a major loss. He averaged just 5.5 points in 15.9 minutes during the playoffs and had trouble scoring efficiently. With Harden expected back and Donovan Mitchell already carrying plenty of the playmaking load, the Cavs may prefer to funnel those minutes toward younger players who can shoot it better.
Charlotte’s angle is different. After moving LaMelo Ball earlier this summer, the Hornets get a more established backup point guard in Schroder. He should offer more stability than Mann or rookie Christian Anderson Jr., though Kram still wondered how much of an upgrade the soon-to-be 33-year-old really is.
There’s also the bigger-picture reality of Schroder’s career path. Charlotte will be his 12th NBA team, and this trade marks the ninth time he’s been dealt.
So in ESPN’s eyes, Cleveland gets the slight edge.
In Other News...
Former Cavs Big Lands Intriguing New Role With Real Madrid
The Cavaliers have spent the summer reshaping the back end of the roster, bringing back Thomas Bryant and adding Mario Hezonja from Real Madrid while several other familiar names have moved on. Larry Nance Jr. landed with the Indiana Pacers on a one-year deal, Keon Ellis is headed to the Brooklyn Nets, and Dean Wade will continue his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving Clevelands recent big-man churn feeling a little more connected to the league than usual.
Olivier Sarr is now part of that same web, too. After a brief stint with the Cavaliers, he has signed a two-year deal with Real Madrid, joining former Celtics player Max Shulga in the Spanish powerhouses latest roster move. For Cleveland fans, it is another reminder of how often the Cavs supporting cast winds up on the move, and how quickly a players next opportunity can come from an unexpected place. [Read more 🡒]
Cavaliers Suddenly Have A Real Chance To Steal Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga has become one of the more intriguing names in the market, and the Cavaliers have positioned themselves to stay in the conversation. While the Lakers have already put a sign-and-trade framework on the table, Cleveland has been working to create financial flexibility so it can make its own competitive pitch if the opportunity opens up. For a team looking to keep adding athleticism and upside, Kumingas availability has naturally caught attention.
The wrinkle is that this is shaping up as more than a simple talent chase. Kumingas current value, his fit in a new role, and the terms attached to any deal all matter here, and analysts have already warned against treating him like a player worth paying at any price. Clevelands interest gives this a real second lane, and the next move may hinge on which side is willing to make the stronger contract offer. [Read more 🡒]
Jonathan Kuminga Trade Chase Is Taking A Turn Warriors Fans Notice
The chase for Jonathan Kuminga has started to pull in more than one contender, and the Cavaliers are right in the middle of that widening picture. Cleveland has been reshaping its roster and cap outlook, a sign the front office is trying to keep enough flexibility on hand to chase a wing upgrade if the market comes together the right way.
The Lakers have already put a sign-and-trade framework on the table, reportedly around $45 million, with Jarred Vanderbilt and draft capital going to the Hawks in the proposed structure. For Cleveland, the interest matters because it keeps Kuminga in play as the kind of athletic forward the roster still needs, even if the path to getting him is still crowded and nothing has been finalized. [Read more 🡒]