The Cavaliers apparently won’t be getting an A for their Dennis Schroder trade. But ESPN believes they did slightly better than the other guys.
ESPN’s Zach Kram gave Cleveland a B for its deal with the Hornets, while Charlotte received a B-minus.
For the Cavs, Kram writes that the trade was primarily about money and what Cleveland might be able to do next. By replacing Schroder’s $14.8 million salary with Tre Mann’s $8 million deal, the Cavs saved roughly $6.8 million.
According to ESPN cap expert Bobby Marks, that leaves Cleveland about $32 million below the first apron and $44 million below the second.
Of course, some of that room is expected to disappear once James Harden re-signs. But the additional flexibility could matter as the Cavs continue looking for help, with Peyton Watson and Jonathan Kuminga among the forwards linked to Cleveland.
Kram also noted that Schroder’s departure shouldn’t be especially damaging on the court. The veteran guard averaged just 5.5 points in 15.9 minutes during the playoffs and struggled with his efficiency.
With Harden expected back and Donovan Mitchell handling plenty of the creation duties, ESPN suggested the Cavs could give those minutes to younger, better shooters. That’s likely part of the plan.
Charlotte, meanwhile, gets an established backup point guard after trading LaMelo Ball earlier this summer. Schroder should provide more certainty than Mann or rookie Christian Anderson Jr., though Kram questioned just how much of an upgrade the soon-to-be 33-year-old represents.
There’s also the matter of his contract and his remarkable travel itinerary. Charlotte will become Schroder’s 12th NBA team, and this marked the ninth trade of his career.
So ESPN gave the slight edge to Cleveland.
But the more important grade may come later. The Cavs created additional room to operate. Now we find out what they do with it.
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