Dennis Schroder is glad to finally play 'meaningful' games with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Dennis Schroder is no stranger to moving trucks. Now suiting up for his 11th NBA franchise, the German floor general has seen the league from nearly every conceivable angle. However, following his deadline trade from the Sacramento Kings to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 32-year-old made one thing abundantly clear: he is relieved to be back in the thick of a championship chase.
After spending the first half of the 2025-26 campaign with a Kings squad that struggled to find its footing in the Western Conference, Schroder’s arrival in Cleveland marks a dramatic shift in competitive reality. Speaking to reporters following a recent victory, the former FIBA World Cup MVP didn't mince words about the difference in atmosphere between his old situation and his new home in "The Land."
"At the end of the day, there are meaningful basketball games," Schroder said, reflecting on the move. "I played a couple of them already in my career... But to be on this side now, where you play every single game to win, that excites me every day."
The Cavaliers acquired Schroder and guard Keon Ellis on February 1 to bolster a backcourt rotation in desperate need of veteran stability. With the team eyeing a deep playoff run, Schroder’s experience is viewed as a vital insurance policy behind the star-studded starting lineup. While his shooting numbers since the trade have been uneven—he is still finding his rhythm from beyond the arc—his impact on the win column has been undeniable. Cleveland has looked revitalized since his debut, a surge fueled by the defensive intensity Schroder refers to as his "dog mentality."
Head coach Kenny Atkinson has already praised the veteran's ability to disrupt opposing offenses, a trait that fits perfectly alongside the defensive versatility of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. For Schroder, the transition isn't just about filling a roster spot; it's about relevance. After months of feeling like he was "drifting" in Sacramento, he now finds himself quarterbacking the second unit for a legitimate contender. With the postseason looming, Schroder’s hunger to play games that actually matter may be the exact spark Cleveland needs to solidify its standing in the Eastern Conference hierarchy.
After spending the first half of the 2025-26 campaign with a Kings squad that struggled to find its footing in the Western Conference, Schroder’s arrival in Cleveland marks a dramatic shift in competitive reality. Speaking to reporters following a recent victory, the former FIBA World Cup MVP didn't mince words about the difference in atmosphere between his old situation and his new home in "The Land."
"At the end of the day, there are meaningful basketball games," Schroder said, reflecting on the move. "I played a couple of them already in my career... But to be on this side now, where you play every single game to win, that excites me every day."
The Cavaliers acquired Schroder and guard Keon Ellis on February 1 to bolster a backcourt rotation in desperate need of veteran stability. With the team eyeing a deep playoff run, Schroder’s experience is viewed as a vital insurance policy behind the star-studded starting lineup. While his shooting numbers since the trade have been uneven—he is still finding his rhythm from beyond the arc—his impact on the win column has been undeniable. Cleveland has looked revitalized since his debut, a surge fueled by the defensive intensity Schroder refers to as his "dog mentality."
Head coach Kenny Atkinson has already praised the veteran's ability to disrupt opposing offenses, a trait that fits perfectly alongside the defensive versatility of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. For Schroder, the transition isn't just about filling a roster spot; it's about relevance. After months of feeling like he was "drifting" in Sacramento, he now finds himself quarterbacking the second unit for a legitimate contender. With the postseason looming, Schroder’s hunger to play games that actually matter may be the exact spark Cleveland needs to solidify its standing in the Eastern Conference hierarchy.
