New Cavs Trade Rumors on Max Strus, Dennis Schroder amid James Harden, Dean Wade Contract Buzz

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly have some maneuvering to do if they hope to retain star guard James Harden and veteran big man Dean Wade.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported, "As the Cavaliers navigate James Harden's return and Wade's free agency, Cleveland's Max Strus and Dennis Schroder have been mentioned in trade talks with the franchise currently projected over the second apron."

Strus played in just 12 regular-season games for the Cavs in 2025-26 due to foot surgery, but he appeared in all 18 of their playoff games. The 30-year-old brought 3-and-D value to the team, so he should draw some trade interest.

Schroder was acquired in a midseason trade with the Sacramento Kings and played a key role as Cleveland's backup point guard behind star Donovan Mitchell. The veteran is no stranger to being on the trade block, as he's been traded eight times in his career.

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer recently reported that there's an expectation that the Cavs and Harden "should soon" reach a verbal agreement on a multiyear deal. Harden, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline, has a player option for $42.3 million in 2026-27 that becomes fully guaranteed on July 11, so the two sides would want to hammer out a new deal before then.

According to Scotto, league sources said that Wade "is expected to have various suitors in free agency," including the Cavs, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers.

It sounds like Cleveland is prioritizing retaining Harden and Wade, so players like Strus and Schroder could be expendable this summer.