Dennis Schröder was traded for the ninth time in his career as the Cleveland Cavaliers sent him to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann.
The NBA world was left stunned at the news, with some believing that this could allow the Cavaliers to finally land restricted free agent Peyton Watson.
NBA World Reacts as Cleveland Cavaliers Trade Dennis Schröder
Schröder was only with the Cavaliers for six months, having been traded to Cleveland in February. The 32-year-old made 30 regular-season appearances for the Cavaliers, averaging 8.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 rebounds off the bench.
However, the Cavaliers decided to trade him ahead of the second year of his 3-year, $44.4 million contract. The move helps them save close to $7 million and takes them $29 million under the first apron.
The news of the trade was shared by insider Shams Charania on X.
“Just in: The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading Dennis Schröder and cash to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann, sources tell ESPN. Charlotte picks up an established veteran at point guard who has history with Hornets president Jeff Peterson and coach Charles Lee from his tenure in Atlanta at the start of his career,” he wrote.
Fans wondered why the Cavaliers decided to trade a reliable rotation piece in Schröder.
“Now why would Cleveland do this…Kuminga? Watson? Or maybe just to save Money?” claimed one content creator.
Many poked fun at Schröder for being traded so often.
“This guy gets traded every year,” joked one.
This guy gets traded every year 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— John Doe (@JohnDoe6150) August 14, 2026
“The rainbow increases,” posted another while sharing a mashup picture of the teams Schröder has played for in his career.
the rainbow increases 😭😭 https://t.co/XydFDF1izW pic.twitter.com/LBXMK6fKea
— 🚁 (@SplashWRLD_) August 14, 2026
One user wondered whether Schröder still regretted turning down a four-year, $84 million extension offer from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021.
“I know he still regretting not taking the Lakers deal,” they wrote.
I know he still regretting not taking the lakers deal
— Tyrone💫💫(0-0) (@4ktyrone) August 14, 2026
Content creator Nekias Duncan backed Schröder to rediscover his form in Charlotte.
“You always want to be the team that acquires year 2 Dennis lol,” he wrote.
you always want to be the team that acquires year 2 Dennis lol https://t.co/WFeSmL7jaY
— Nekias (Nuh-KAI-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) August 14, 2026
Content creator Danny2K believes this trade could allow the Cavaliers to acquire Watson, a restricted free agent. The Nuggets guard is attracting the interest of several teams, with Cleveland firmly in the mix.
“Peyton Watson is a Cav soon,” he wrote.
peyton watson is a cav soon https://t.co/f2s8eBnkhb
— Danny2K (@Danny2KYT) August 14, 2026
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The offseason has been a whirlwind for the Cavaliers, who missed out on the signature of LeBron James after losing to the New York Knicks in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals.
The Cavaliers are currently in talks with James Harden over a contract extension, while also reportedly pursuing Jonathan Kuminga.
