New NBA Trade Rumors Reveal Cavs Are 'Working On' Moves Ahead of Free Agency

What the Cleveland Cavaliers accomplish this offseason could hinge on the franchise's ability to trade Dennis Schröder, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Tuesday on ESPN Cleveland.

"They've been involved with some players that have been traded," Windhorst reported. "They haven't been able to execute anything. They're not trying nothing.

"I will tell you specifically, I think they're trying to find a way to trade Dennis Schröder. If they can trade Dennis Schröder, they could potentially have a better chance of holding on to Dean Wade. They've been looking for deals like that. They haven't been able to get it done."

Schröder is signed for two more seasons with an average annual salary of $15.2 million, while Wade is a pending unrestricted free agent.

The news comes amid reports the Cavaliers could consider pursuing star free agent LeBron James.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday that James would be returning for another NBA season, but would not be playing for the Lakers.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported shortly afterward the Cavaliers were interested in potentially reuniting with James.

Windhorst said Tuesday he doesn't see the Cavaliers as "a realistic option" for James.

"I have not heard that the Cavs are out, but I have certainly not heard that they're in," Windhorst said Tuesday.

The Cavaliers were $42 million below the second apron after James Harden declined his 2026-27 player option, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.

The Cavs are expected to work out a new multiyear deal with Harden, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The new contract will likely be at a lower salary, per Marks.

The Golden State Warriors, another potential suitor for James, are likely restricted from using the full $15 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception after re-signing Kristaps Porziņģis, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Whether the Cavaliers maintain access to that exception this offseason will depend in part on whether Harden's next deal brings the Cavs back over the taxpayer threshold.

It also depends on whether the franchise could move out salary. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently reported both Schröder and Max Strus, who is signed through next season at a $16.7 million cap hit, have been brought up in trade talks this offseason.

Scotto also reported Wade could have suitors including the Lakers and Cavs alongside the Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers this offseason.

The Cavaliers' ability to move players like Schröder and Strus could shape whether the franchise gains enough cap flexibility to re-sign Harden and Wade while still having a shot at acquiring James this offseason.