Dennis Schroder is making serious waves right now. The veteran guard has been putting up impressive numbers with the Brooklyn Nets, including standout performances like a 33-point game against the Grizzlies and a solid 29 points facing the Bucks. Averaging 24.6 points and 8.2 assists so far, Schroder is playing on an expiring $13 million contract, making him an enticing option for teams looking to make a push. His playmaking, scoring, and leadership could be exactly what several squads need to elevate their game, so let’s look at five teams that should consider going all-in for him.
Lakers Reacquire Schroder In Multi-Player Trade
Lakers Receive: Dennis Schroder, Jalen Wilson
Nets Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Second-Round Pick (via LAC), 2027 Second-Round Pick
With this potential trade, the Los Angeles Lakers aim to add a familiar face to their backcourt by bringing back Dennis Schroder. The Lakers have had a mixed start to the 2024-25 season, sitting at 3-2 under new head coach JJ Redick. Anthony Davis has been unstoppable so far, averaging 30.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, making an early push for Defensive Player of the Year. With LeBron James managing his minutes to stay fresh, the Lakers could use someone like Schroder to take on some playmaking duties and keep the offense flowing, especially late in games.
D’Angelo Russell, currently on an expiring contract, has shown some inconsistency to start the season. He’s averaging 10.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.2 rebounds across five games, and while he’s provided some solid moments, the Lakers might want a bit more firepower from the guard spot. That’s where Schroder comes in—he’s already shown he can fit alongside LeBron and Davis, and with his scoring and defensive hustle, he could bring the extra spark LA needs.
Over in Brooklyn, the Nets are off to a tough start this season, holding a 2-3 record and clearly looking for a rebuild. Dennis Schroder has been one of their few bright spots with standout games like his 33-point performance against the Grizzlies and 29-point game against the Bucks in his last two games. Schroder has proven he can be a reliable scorer and playmaker, but with the Nets in a rebuilding phase, they may see value in trading him now.
For the Nets, adding D’Angelo Russell would mean bringing back a player who had some of his best years in Brooklyn and could provide veteran leadership to a young roster that needs some guidance. Along with Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino offers potential as a young guard with defensive upside who the Lakers won’t offer a rookie extension, and the two second-round picks give the Nets some assets for future flexibility.
In a nutshell, this hypothetical trade helps both teams in different ways. The Lakers get a reliable, high-energy guard who can take the pressure off LeBron and add depth in the backcourt. The Nets get an experienced scorer in Russell, a young talent in Hood-Schifino, and picks to help build for the future.
76ers Add Schroder To Stabilize The Backcourt Amid Injuries
76ers Receive: Dennis Schroder
Nets Receive: Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, 2027 Second-Round Pick (via MIL), 2027 Second-Round Pick
The 76ers, sitting at 1-3, are dealing with early season turbulence, largely due to missing key players. Joel Embiid, their centerpiece, hasn’t made his season debut yet, as he’s managing a knee issue. His absence is a huge void for a team that relies on his presence on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Paul George, the blockbuster addition in free agency, has been sidelined with an ankle sprain. Without these two stars, the team has struggled to find its rhythm, and it’s been up to Tyrese Maxey to keep them competitive.
Maxey has embraced the challenge and shown he’s capable of stepping up, averaging 31.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. His breakout performance, a 45-point explosion in an overtime win against the Pacers, showcased his potential as a lead scorer. Maxey’s relentless scoring ability and energy have been vital, but the workload is substantial. The 76ers could benefit from adding a stabilizing presence in the backcourt to balance out the pressure on Maxey and keep the offense flowing, especially in close games where Maxey’s focus should be on scoring rather than playmaking.
That’s where Dennis Schroder comes in. The veteran guard has been one of the few positives for the Nets this season, bringing energy and hustle to every game. He’s shown he can handle high-pressure situations and contribute on both ends of the floor. For the 76ers, Schroder would be a natural fit. He could take on primary playmaking duties, freeing up Maxey to focus on scoring. Schroder’s defensive tenacity and experience add depth and grit, making him an ideal partner in the backcourt as the team waits for Embiid and George to return to full strength.
In return, the Nets get a solid haul with Caleb Martin, KJ Martin, and two second-round picks. Caleb brings reliable shooting and defensive versatility, while KJ offers athleticism and potential for growth. These pieces align well with the Nets’ rebuilding direction, giving them young assets and future draft capital to work with. For the 76ers, adding Schroder provides immediate help and better positions them to stay afloat during these early season challenges, setting the stage for a stronger push once Embiid and George are back in action.
The Heat Bring In Schroder To Steady The Ship
Heat Receive: Dennis Schroder
Nets Receive: Duncan Robinson, 2026 Second-Round Pick (via LAL), 2031 Second-Round Pick
The Heat have had a shaky start to the season and need some lineup adjustments to find consistency. Jimmy Butler, who’s on an expiring deal and should be dominant for them, has been in a noticeable slump. Through his first four games, Butler is averaging just 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, shooting a mere 12.5% from deep. This level of production is low for Butler’s standards, and it leaves the team needing an extra spark, especially in late-game situations.
Adding Dennis Schroder could be exactly what the Heat need to strengthen their backcourt. Currently, the Heat have Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro in their guard rotation, but neither is a natural playmaker. Rozier is more of a pure scorer, while Herro, effective as a shooting guard, focuses more on his shooting role. Schroder would bring ball-handling skills and playmaking experience, allowing Rozier and Herro to play in their natural scoring roles, optimizing the team’s offensive flow, and becoming the floor general that Miami desperately needs since letting go of Kyle Lowry after a failed last season.
In this trade, Duncan Robinson becomes the expendable piece. With Schroder handling the point guard duties and either Rozier or Herro able to step into the backup shooting guard role, Robinson’s spot in the rotation becomes redundant. Moving Robinson also opens up room for more defensive flexibility, something the Heat could greatly use. While Robinson provides three-point shooting, his limited defensive versatility makes him less valuable to a team that prioritizes balance on both ends of the court.
For the Heat, bringing in Schroder not only balances the roster better but also gives them an immediate boost in what’s shaping up to be a challenging season. On the other side, the Nets acquire Robinson and two second-round picks, bolstering their rebuilding process with shooters and future assets they can leverage in trades or develop long-term.
The Nuggets Could Look To Schroder As A Bench Savior
Nuggets Receive: Dennis Schroder
Nets Receive: Zeke Nnaji, Russell Westbrook, Peyton Watson
The Denver Nuggets, currently holding a 2-2 record, have encountered early-season challenges, particularly with their backcourt performance. Russell Westbrook, who was brought in to provide veteran leadership and playmaking off the bench, has struggled to find his rhythm. In the season opener against the Thunder, Westbrook managed only 6 points on 2-for-10 shooting, along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists in 21 minutes. His shooting woes have continued in subsequent games, raising concerns about his fit within the team’s system.
Adding to the Nuggets’ issues, their bench production has been underwhelming, which has contributed to their inconsistent performances. In a recent loss to the Clippers, Denver’s bench contributed only 16 points, highlighting a lack of depth and an offensive spark from their reserves. This deficiency has placed additional pressure on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to carry the offensive load, a dynamic that isn’t sustainable for a team with championship aspirations.
Dennis Schroder is currently shooting an impressive 55.3% from three-point range, making him an ideal addition for a Nuggets team in need of shooting and reliable backcourt play. This trade would allow the Nuggets to offload three non-shooters (Westbrook, Nnaji, and Watson) for a player who brings both shooting efficiency and the ability to handle the ball. Schroder’s presence could free up Murray to focus more on scoring, while also adding defensive grit and playoff experience to Denver’s rotation.
On the Nets’ side, this trade aligns perfectly with their rebuilding goals. Zeke Nnaji and Peyton Watson are young talents with room to develop, fitting Brooklyn’s timeline and future plans. Nnaji brings energy and rebounding potential in the frontcourt, while Watson offers athleticism and defensive upside on the wing. Westbrook, though no longer the star he once was, could serve as a mentor to Brooklyn’s younger players or potentially be a trade asset down the line.
In short, this trade not only fills Denver’s need for a capable shooter and playmaker but also gives the Nets valuable young pieces to build around. The Nuggets add a backcourt piece with scoring efficiency and experience, while Brooklyn gains assets that match their developmental focus.
The Mavs Could Snag Schroder To Ease Luka’s Burden
Mavericks Receive: Dennis Schroder
Nets Receive: Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Dallas Mavericks have started the 2024-25 NBA season strong, boasting a 3-1 record. A significant factor in their early success is the addition of Klay Thompson, who has seamlessly integrated into the team’s system. In his debut, Thompson set a franchise record by hitting six three-pointers, contributing 22 points and seven rebounds in a victory over the Spurs. Over the first four games, he’s averaging 16.5 points while shooting an impressive 42.5% from beyond the arc, providing the Mavericks with a consistent perimeter threat.
Despite this strong start, the Mavericks may require additional playmaking and defensive intensity in their backcourt. Currently, the team relies heavily on Luka Doncic for ball-handling duties, which can lead to fatigue and predictability in late-game situations. Acquiring Dennis Schroder would address these concerns. Schroder is an ideal addition for a Mavericks team in need of shooting and reliable backcourt play. His defensive tenacity and experience in high-pressure situations would complement Dallas’s existing roster, providing the depth and versatility they need to navigate the competitive Western Conference.
In exchange, the Nets would receive Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell, both of whom bring size and versatility to their rebuilding roster. Both would be buyout candidates, but the inclusion of a 2025 first-round pick gives the Nets a valuable asset for their future plans.
This trade would not only bolster the Mavericks’ backcourt depth but also alleviate the playmaking burden on Doncic, allowing him to focus more on scoring and less on facilitating.Schroder’s ability to run the offense and provide perimeter defense would be invaluable as the Mavericks aim to maintain their strong start and solidify their standing in the Western Conference.