After agreeing to trade for Brooklyn Nets point guard Dennis Schroder this weekend, ESPN insider Shams Charania reports that the Golden State Warriors “envision starting” Schroder alongside Stephen Curry in the backcourt. Doing so would ease the ball-handling responsibilities placed on Curry, which was also a factor in Brandin Podziemski manning the first unit. Yet, unlike Podziemski, Schroder has gotten off to a tremendous start this season.
For a team that ranks 14th in points per game (113.1) and is tied for 21st in both first quarter points per game (27.2) and fourth quarter points per game (26.8), Schroder is a definitive upgrade over the second-year guard, at least on the offensive end.
The Warriors envision starting lineups with Dennis Schroder and Stephen Curry in the backcourt, with Schroder able to alleviate ball-handling responsibilities at point guard. Golden State made him a priority to complete this deal. https://t.co/SohAEq3IiA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 15, 2024
However, Schroder could be heading to Golden State on a trial basis. Per Charania, the Warriors are still hoping to complete a blockbuster trade. If so, Schroder’s expiring $13 million contract could become part of the package.
Warriors Could Flip Or Start Recent Trade Addition Dennis Schroder
To this point, Golden State has been linked to players like Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler and Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma. Butler nor Kuzma are great matches for Warriors head coach Steve Kerr’s system because they’re below-average three-point threats. Nonetheless, they both pack an above-average scoring punch and can operate as tertiary playmakers.
In Butler’s case specifically, Golden State would also be acquiring an elite perimeter defender. That would be music to Warriors assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse’s ears. When considering the personalities of players like Draymond Green, Butler he’s even a strong locker room fit. With that being said, the Warriors could be the team that wins the Butler sweepstakes.
LeBron James To The Warriors?
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James may be a remote option for them as well. Last season, the Warriors reached out to the Lakers about a James trade but were rebuffed by his agent.
Fast-forward and James is nearly a older and the Los Angeles are hardly better. Furthermore, their options to improve are limited, making their front office hesitant to make a move. As a result, James could choose to waive his no-trade clause if the Warriors are still interested.
Such a move is difficult to fathom considering the battles that James has had with Golden State. However, this isn’t a Kevin Durant moment; James won’t be deciding to join a team he can’t beat. Neither the Lakers nor Warriors are favorites to reach the NBA Finals. James would essentially be heading to a team that needs as much help as them.
After they teased the possibility following their experience in the Paris Olympics, James and Curry could very well team up in the near future.
