It might come to pass for a third time in his career that Brooklyn Nets trade prospect Dennis Schröder could be dealt again. The Nets are expected to be in the selling market by this season’s February trade deadline, hoping to position themselves for next summer’s NBA Draft. As for the 12-year veteran, Schröder appears accepting that his time in Brooklyn may be ticking. That won’t stop him from remaining in the right headspace, though.
Nets Trade Prospect Accepting of Possible Exit from Brooklyn
Brooklyn Nets Trade Prospect Dennis Schröder Familiar with the Crystal Ball
If there is one element for many veterans who have not won a championship in their sport, it’s that they recoil at being a part of a rebuilding franchise. Not all veterans, but many, and Schröder is one of those veterans. He’s more interested in competing than anything, and the Nets don’t appear to be focused on that in regards to contending for the playoffs.
Schröder is having a fantastic season thus far, and his play only helps him get moved if that indeed happens. Several teams could use an upgrade at the point guard position, and he can provide that for playoff-seeking teams. As for the trade rumors that include his name, Schröder intends to play up to his skill set and maintain a solid attitude when going out on the floor with his Nets teammates.
“I’ve been in the league 12 years, and people have talked about my name in trade talks for 12 years. I’ve been traded twice,” Schroder said to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “… So [gossip] is going to happen. They use it as an event where they can promote who is on the block. I don’t really care. But I’ve bought into this system right now because they pay my checks, and I’m doing my job every single day, and I’m always professional about it, always going to make the most out of it. Get one percent better every single day. And whatever happens, happens. I understand it’s a business, but no worries here.”
That is the professional way to go about it, and you have to admire Schröder’s mindset through it all. He is averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 assists, and shooting 47.2% from three on the year. You have to imagine these numbers would serve a much better purpose elsewhere. Perhaps on a team with playoff or championship aspirations, not draft ones.
Why the LA Lakers Should Consider
The first team to mind who could use Schröder’s production is the Los Angeles Lakers. D’Angelo Russell will likely be moved this season, and the Lakers need depth at the point guard position. Schröder could step in and provide that. Gabe Vincent is struggling mightily on offense to produce points this season, and Schröder is not. Lakers coach JJ Redick has repeatedly announced that he loves what Vincent is giving his team. Although, his lack of production might be enough reason for LA to move him. The fact that Schröder has a history and familiarity with LeBron James and Anthony Davis is a plus in favor of a return to LA. He also played good basketball in his two stints with the Lakers.
The Lakers are looking more like a playoff team than not. So, GM Rob Pelinka should be under more pressure to upgrade his team. Schröder could be part of that upgrade.
