One of the most interesting moves of the offseason was the trade that sent LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, bringing an end to his six-year tenure with the Charlotte Hornets.
As the offseason rumor mill continues to spin, German veteran Dennis Schröder has now become a potential target for the rebuilding Eastern Conference franchise following Ball’s trade.
Dennis Schroder Rumors Heat Up as Hornets Begin New Era Without LaMelo Ball
Ball played in 303 games with the Hornets, averaging 20.8 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. He earned the 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year award and received his lone All-Star selection in 2022, but Charlotte failed to reach the playoffs during his tenure.
Hornets head coach Charles Lee recently told Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer that Ball’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet, praising his role in fostering a culture built on hard work, competitiveness, and togetherness. With Ball no longer on the roster, Charlotte enters a new chapter worth watching.
As Charlotte is looking to boost its backcourt with more leadership and experience following Ball’s trade, the Hornets have become a potential destination for Schroder, who split the 2025-26 campaign between the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Following the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, HoopsHype reported that Charlotte has expressed interest in acquiring Schroder.
“The Charlotte Hornets have been linked with interest in Schroder, league sources told HoopsHype,” the report said. “It’s worth noting that Hornets executive Jeff Peterson is said to be still a fan of Schroder dating back to their time together in Atlanta.”
“The Charlotte Hornets have been linked with interest in Dennis Schröder, league sources told @hoopshype.” 🤔
“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.” https://t.co/k2XxFuDnjI pic.twitter.com/LYaJdVRQE5
— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) July 22, 2026
At age 32, Schröder has suited up for several NBA teams over his 13-year career. He opened last season with the Kings before being traded to the Cavaliers ahead of the February deadline.
Cleveland is reportedly exploring ways to trim payroll, making Schroder a plausible trade candidate. He remains under contract through 2027-28 after he signed a three-year, $44.4 million deal with Sacramento during the 2025 offseason. He is set to earn $14.8 million in 2026-27 and $15.5 million in 2027-28, with part of the final season guaranteed.
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Schröder averaged 10.8 points and 4.9 assists during the 2025-26 regular season, and his veteran experience could be a valuable addition to Charlotte’s young core. Though his numbers declined to averages of 5.5 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in the playoffs, he remains a reliable floor general.
Schröder may offer stability alongside Coby White, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel by directing the offense. He may help calm the game in key moments and allow the younger players to thrive in their natural roles.
