The Cavaliers didn’t trade Dennis Schroder simply to change backup point guards. They created room to keep working.
By sending Schroder and cash to Charlotte for Tre Mann, the Cavs save roughly $6.8 million, leaving them about $29 million below the first apron and approximately $42 million below the second apron.
That’s significant because the roster isn’t finished.
James Harden will return, of course, though the eventual price tag remains to be determined. Cleveland also continues exploring a potential sign-and-trade with Denver for restricted free agent Peyton Watson, a player the Cavs have pursued throughout the summer.
Moving Schroder makes navigating all of that considerably easier.
It also brings back a younger, less expensive guard in Mann, 25, who averaged 5.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 53 games for Charlotte last season. For his five-year career, Mann has averaged 8.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 34.5 percent from three.
Schroder, meanwhile, spent only half a season in Cleveland after arriving from Sacramento at the February trade deadline. He appeared in 30 regular-season games for the Cavs, averaging 8.2 points and 4.3 assists in 21.4 minutes. The 32-year-old owns career averages of 13.7 points and 4.9 assists across 13 NBA seasons.
Schroder helped Cleveland during its run to the Eastern Conference finals. But this move isn’t really about what he did last season.
It’s about what the Cavs might still be trying to do before next season. And suddenly, they have considerably more room to do it.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
