As the NBA trade deadline looms, the New York Knicks are once again in the thick of the rumor mill, with backup point guard Dennis Schroder reportedly on their radar. But while the idea of adding another veteran ball-handler might seem logical at first glance, a closer look at the fit-and the financials-suggests this is one call the Knicks would be wise not to make.
Knicks Exploring Backup Guard Market
According to recent reporting, the Knicks are expected to show interest in Schroder, currently with the Sacramento Kings, as well as Jose Alvarado of the Pelicans. The logic behind the search is clear: New York wants a reliable secondary playmaker behind Jalen Brunson-someone who can handle pressure, initiate offense, and keep things steady when Brunson’s off the floor.
That’s a sound strategy in theory. The Knicks have experimented with Jordan Clarkson in that role, but his inconsistency has raised more questions than answers.
Tyler Kolek has shown flashes, but banking on a rookie to stabilize a playoff-bound rotation is a gamble. So the idea of adding a veteran like Schroder is understandable.
But that’s where the fit starts to get murky.
The On-Court Fit Doesn’t Quite Click
Schroder has had his moments-he tormented the Knicks in last year’s first-round playoff series when he was with Detroit. He’s quick, he can get downhill, and he’s shown he can operate off the ball when needed. In theory, that meshes well with what head coach Mike Brown wants from his offense: drive, collapse the defense, and kick it out.
But the reality is a bit more complicated. Schroder’s efficiency has been inconsistent since landing in Sacramento.
His three-point shooting, especially on spot-up opportunities, hasn’t inspired much confidence. Defensively, he’s capable at the point of attack, but his effort and impact can be hit-or-miss-sometimes more reputation than result.
Even as a secondary creator, Schroder’s assist rate and passing volume don’t exactly leap off the page. He can make reads, sure, but he’s not bending defenses with his vision. So if you’re the Knicks, the question becomes: is this really the guy worth reshaping your rotation-or your payroll-for?
The Price Tag Is the Real Dealbreaker
And that’s where things get even more complicated. Schroder is making $14.1 million this season.
That’s not chump change, especially for a team like the Knicks, who are operating just $150,000 under the second tax apron. Under the league’s current financial rules, New York can’t take back more money than it sends out in any trade.
So to bring in Schroder, they’d have to move at least $14.1 million in salary.
That’s easier said than done.
Unless the Knicks are ready to part with Mitchell Robinson-a move that would leave a major hole in their frontcourt-they simply don’t have the matching salaries to make this work. Even packaging together contracts like Guerschon Yabusele, Pacome Dadiet, and Deuce McBride doesn’t get them close to Schroder’s number.
And let’s be honest: Robinson’s availability might be spotty, but his offensive rebounding and rim protection are critical to what the Knicks do. Trading him just to bring in a backup guard feels like a step backward unless a reliable big is coming back in the same deal. Even then, it’s questionable whether the net result would be worth it.
Better, Cheaper Options Are Out There
The Knicks would be far better off targeting a guard like Alvarado, who’s not only cheaper-he’s earning just $4.5 million-but also brings a scrappy, defensive-minded presence that fits the team’s identity. Even if Schroder were making that kind of money, his fit would still raise eyebrows. At $14.1 million, it’s simply too steep a price for a player who doesn’t move the needle in a meaningful way.
New York is in a good place right now. They’ve built a tough, resilient team around Brunson, Julius Randle, and a deep supporting cast. Tinkering at the margins makes sense-every contender does it-but there’s a fine line between tweaking and overreaching.
Schroder, at his current price, falls squarely into the latter category. Unless the Kings are willing to get creative or expand the deal to include a big man, the Knicks should keep looking. There are smarter, cleaner ways to bolster the bench without compromising the core.