Cavs’ Trade for Schröder and Ellis Adds Depth - and Raises Big Questions About the Future
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t just make a move to bolster their backcourt depth - they may have also opened the door to a much bigger conversation about their long-term roster construction.
By bringing in Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis ahead of the trade deadline, the Cavs addressed some immediate needs. Schröder offers veteran experience and playmaking, while Ellis brings defensive versatility and upside. But beyond the on-court help, this move could be a signal that the front office is preparing for more significant decisions down the road - including the future of All-Star guard Darius Garland.
During a recent episode of the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast, Cavs insider Chris Fedor and host Ethan Sands dove into how this trade could impact the team’s trajectory, not just for this season but potentially for years to come.
“Anytime you bring in two guys that could theoretically fill backcourt spots,” Fedor said, “you have to at least ask yourself - what does this mean for Darius Garland? Maybe not today, maybe not by Thursday’s deadline, but down the line?”
This isn’t just idle roster chatter. The Cavaliers have built a team with clear playoff aspirations.
And if they fall short again this spring, the pressure to shake things up could be real. As Fedor put it, “If they have another early flame out, then they are going to look at significant personnel changes.”
Enter Schröder. The veteran point guard isn’t just a stopgap.
His presence offers the Cavs something they haven’t had in previous seasons - an experienced, capable floor general who can step in and run the offense if needed. That kind of insurance could make it easier for the front office to explore trade options this summer, especially if Garland’s name comes up in discussions.
“Does this make it a little bit easier to have those conversations in the offseason?” Fedor asked. “Probably, because you have potential replacements already on your roster.”
To be clear, the Cavaliers aren’t shopping Garland. He remains a key part of their offensive identity - his speed, shiftiness, and ability to break down defenses are central to how Cleveland creates advantages in the halfcourt. But the point is this: if the right deal presents itself, the Cavs now have the flexibility to consider it.
“If a deal presents itself that they would look at and say, ‘That makes us better,’ then of course they’re going to consider it,” Fedor said. “They have to.”
The podcast also explored some of the hypothetical trades that could come into play if Cleveland decides to retool. Names like Michael Porter Jr., Trey Murphy III, and Herbert Jones were floated as potential targets in a Garland-centric deal - all players who could fit different needs depending on how the Cavs want to reshape their core.
These aren’t just fantasy trades - they reflect the kind of strategic thinking the front office is likely engaged in. The Schröder-Ellis deal isn’t just about this playoff push.
It’s about giving the organization options. If things go south in the postseason again, Cleveland won’t be stuck.
They’ll have the pieces in place to pivot without blowing it all up.
For fans wondering whether the Cavs are all-in on this current group, the answer might be a little more nuanced. Yes, they’re pushing for a deep playoff run. But they’re also preparing for what comes next - just in case this version of the team doesn’t get them where they want to go.
That’s the kind of forward-thinking roster management that can keep a franchise competitive year after year. And with the trade deadline fast approaching, the Cavs have positioned themselves to be players not just now, but when the offseason chessboard starts to take shape.