Cleveland Fires Off Another Move: Schroder Out, Mann In — And Harden Watch Heats Up
The Cleveland Cavaliers aren't done dealing.
According to sources who spoke to ESPN, the Cavs are sending veteran point guard Dennis Schroder and cash to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Tre Mann. It's a move that clears money, opens up roster flexibility, and keeps the front office's foot on the gas as they chase bigger prey.
Why Charlotte says yes
The Hornets aren't just taking a salary dump — they're getting a bonafide floor general. Schroder, who's about to enter his 14th NBA season, has deep ties with Hornets president Jeff Peterson and head coach Charles Lee from their shared days in Atlanta. That's the kind of familiarity that makes a veteran fit seamless.
Schroder played in 70 games last season — 40 with Sacramento, 30 with Cleveland — putting up 10.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in about 24 minutes a night. He'll now join his 12th NBA franchise. Yes, 12th. The man collects jerseys like trading cards.
What this means for the Cavaliers
This isn't just a swap for the sake of a swap. Cleveland is playing chess while the rest of the league plays checkers.
The savings from moving Schroder keep the Cavs comfortably under the dreaded second apron — giving them the breathing room to keep chasing roster upgrades. And they're not shy about who they're targeting.
Word is Cleveland remains in constant contact with James Harden and his camp about a new two- or three-year deal to run it back after his midseason arrival fueled their run to the Eastern Conference finals. The Beard in Cleveland? That's a headline writer's dream.
But Harden isn't the only name on the board. The Cavs are also eyeing two forwards on the open market: restricted free agent Peyton Watson and unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Thanks to Schroder's exit, Cleveland now has more financial wiggle room to make one of those deals happen.
The other side of the trade
As for Mann, he's heading to Cleveland after appearing in 53 games for Charlotte last season, averaging 5.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in under 13 minutes per game. He's a young, low-cost flyer who might just benefit from a change of scenery.
Bottom line: The Cavs are stockpiling flexibility, staying aggressive, and making it crystal clear they're not satisfied with just getting close. The East better be ready.