The Cleveland Cavaliers prepare to introduce two new players, Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, who are set to make their first appearances with the team against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Wednesday. This development follows the major trade involving James Harden and Darius Garland, with the Cavs aiming to strengthen their roster for their championship aspirations.
New Additions Set to Compete for Cleveland
Following their initial practice with Cleveland, both Schroder and Ellis expressed enthusiasm about joining a team focused on competing every night. Schroder described the session as filled with “a lot of new things,” emphasizing excitement about contributing alongside Ellis on a squad committed to winning consistently.
Ellis, still familiarizing himself with the Cavs’ environment, shared that he had been observing their recent games since the trade. He conveyed excitement about joining a winning team and contributing his unique capabilities on the court, eager to help the organization secure victories on a nightly basis.
Keon Ellis’s Approach to His New Role
Ellis views his style of play as one centered around winning basketball, focusing on doing whatever is necessary to put the team in a strong position each night. Although conversations about his specific role remain preliminary given the recent arrival, his commitment to aligning with Cleveland’s goals is clear. Schroder, having observed Ellis’s game firsthand this season, highlighted his defensive prowess and underrated offensive skills, such as shooting and ball handling, predicting that fans will appreciate his energetic and fast-paced style.
“First practice. A lot of new things. But we’re really excited, Keon and me, to be with a team that competes on a day-to-day basis every night, getting out and competing at the highest level to get a win. We just try to bring that energy as well.”
?Dennis Schroder, Guard
“Since it’s happened, I’ve watched the last two games.”
?Keon Ellis, Guard
“I mean, I’m just excited to be on a winning team, come in, and contribute. I know they’re trying to win every night, and I think I can help [with] the things that I do. I’m excited to be a part of that.”
?Keon Ellis, Guard
Schroder’s Veteran Perspective and Competitive Drive
Dennis Schroder brings a competitive edge honed over 13 years in the NBA as a savvy, undersized guard. He stresses the importance of a strong mentality and a “dog mentality,” which fits well within the Cavs’ culture. Known for his defensive tenacity, Schroder praised Ellis for his defensive activity, particularly his ability to create deflections and be positioned correctly on defense. Offensively, Schroder noted Ellis’s shooting and underrated ball-handling skills that will complement the team’s playing style.
“Defensive activity is one of the best in the league. I think he is really handsy, getting a lot of deflections, being in the right spots. Offensively, his shooting. But his capabilities on the offensive end, putting it on the floor as well is really underrated. But I think defensively, shooting threes, playing fast, I think Cavs fans can look forward to seeing that.”
?Dennis Schroder, Guard
Schroder also reflected on his approach to competitiveness, revealing that during games, personal relationships take a back seat to the drive to win and bring full energy to the team effort. This intensity has been a hallmark of his career, reinforced by success on international stages such as the 2025 FIBA World Cup, where he was named EuroBasket MVP after leading Germany to a historic victory.
“I’ve been 13 years in this league as a 6-1 guard, 180 [pounds]. You need a competitive edge to make it that long in the league, I believe. I’ve been doing it my whole career. When I was young, I always wanted to compete. I always wanted to win. I think this fits well with this team.”
?Dennis Schroder, Guard
“On the court, I don’t want to have friends. Once it gets between those lines, you just want to win. Whatever it takes to get a win, that’s what I’mma do. Bringing that energy, bringing that competitive nature. Every single game, I’m gonna give 110 percent. I’m always treating it like it’s my last game, going out there and trying to get a win. That’s the most important thing that I’m trying to bring.”
?Dennis Schroder, Guard
Trade Deadline Experience for Schroder and Ellis
Schroder received news of the trade while in Washington D.C. prior to a Sacramento Kings game against the Wizards, learning about the move through Kings assistant GM B.J. Armstrong. He described the trade as a welcomed change due to frustrations with his previous situation and a chance to join a competitive team with high goals.
“That’s the business, and I’m excited to be here now. The season wasn’t really going well for the Sacramento Kings, and myself, the situation wasn’t really [tenable]. So, I’d seen something coming up.”
?Dennis Schroder, Guard
Ellis, new to trade deadline dynamics, shared the overwhelming experience his phone calls and texts brought immediately after the trade was finalized, highlighting the sudden surge of communication from various contacts.
“I wasn’t really too much worried about rumors or anything, but when it happened, my phone was literally [blowing up]; I think I had like 140 missed calls. Every time I’d get on the phone with someone, someone else calls. Everyone’s texting me; I’m trying to get back to the important people first. It was a lot, but it’s all good.”
?Keon Ellis, Guard
Schroder’s previous NBA connections include a friendship with Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson from his Atlanta Hawks days. Agents Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman, who represent Schroder and Ellis, maintain a good relationship with Cleveland’s management, helping ease their transitions. Besides Ellis, Schroder is connected with teammates Larry Nance Jr. and Thomas Bryant, both represented by Priority Sports, with Bryant having shared time with Schroder at the Lakers.
Ellis is already familiar with assistant coach Jawad Williams from Williams’s time as player development coach with the Kings, and is excited to reunite with Sam Merrill, his training camp teammate from his rookie season.
Building Chemistry Within the Cavs Organization
Both players acknowledge that forging strong team chemistry will take time but are optimistic about building relationships both on and off the court. Schroder appreciates the welcoming nature and character of the current Cavs roster, feeling confident that he and Ellis can integrate well and focus on competing at an elite level together.
“I mean, it’s gonna take a couple of weeks. It depends on how close we are, how we’re coming together, how the team chemistry is. I think that’s the most important. First day was already great. I’ve done it before, and I think this group is nice enough, as a character, to bring me and Keon in great, and then we’re just gonna compete on the highest level.”
?Dennis Schroder, Guard
Ellis is meeting his teammates gradually, taking time to learn names and understand the team environment, eager to get on the court and contribute.
“I’m kinda just meeting everyone as I go along. Just excited to meet everyone. Taking things day by day. I know I’ll probably have to get names of everyone multiple times, figure out all the situations, and everything. But just really excited to play.”
?Keon Ellis, Guard
Respect for Star Players and Team Ambitions
Ellis expressed respect for Donovan Mitchell, noting his relief to no longer guard him in competition and his excitement to witness Mitchell’s play nightly with the Cavs. Schroder echoed enthusiasm for joining a team he regards as special and meaningful in the league.
“Great player, definitely kinda glad I don’t have to guard him anymore. That’ll be nice, get to see his game on a nightly basis, and even everyone else.”
?Keon Ellis, Guard
“Excited to play with the guys here. They’re special, and I think we just want to come in and chip in to it.”
?Dennis Schroder, Guard
Schroder, now facing the Cavs as his 11th NBA team after being traded eight times, offers Ellis guidance on adapting to the realities of NBA trades and the importance of focusing on competing and winning despite off-court uncertainties.
“I just try to take him under my wing and try to help him out. For me, it’s easy. At the end of the day, you’re going out there to compete, to win games. Whatever you have to do to figure it out, I will do it. Keon will do the same thing. Try to be great.”
?Dennis Schroder, Guard
Ellis admires the team’s composition and believes they possess the pieces necessary to achieve their shared goals.
“Really great team. They’ve got some great pieces. I think we can accomplish those goals that I know they have set. Definitely excited for that.”
?Keon Ellis, Guard
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Cavaliers
The arrival of Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis bolsters the Cleveland Cavaliers’ depth and brings experienced competitiveness as well as youthful energy to a team with high playoff and championship hopes. Schroder’s veteran leadership and proven international success combined with Ellis’s defensive intensity and willingness to contribute are expected to enhance the Cavs’ chances as they continue their pursuit of NBA glory.
Both players’ fresh starts contribute to a renewed sense of determination within the roster, with their debut against the Clippers marking the beginning of their integration into Cleveland’s system. As they cultivate chemistry with established stars like Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers aim to leverage this momentum into sustained success on and off the court in the coming months.
