Magic Eye Dennis Schröder as Potential Backcourt Boost Ahead of Trade Deadline
As the NBA trade deadline draws closer, the Orlando Magic are reportedly exploring a move that could give their second unit a much-needed offensive jolt - and it just so happens the target is someone with deep ties to several key players on the roster.
The Magic have expressed interest in veteran point guard Dennis Schröder, currently with the Sacramento Kings, according to recent reports. With Sacramento sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings and expected to be active sellers ahead of the February 5 deadline, Schröder is one of several names being floated as potential trade chips. And Orlando, looking to shore up its backcourt depth, appears to be in the mix.
Let’s break down why this move makes sense for both sides - and why it could be more than just a simple midseason roster tweak for the Magic.
Schröder’s Fit in Orlando: More Than Just Stats
At first glance, Schröder’s numbers this season - 12.5 points and 5.5 assists per game - suggest a solid, if not spectacular, rotational guard. But for Orlando, the intrigue goes beyond the box score.
The Magic have carved out an identity as a gritty, defensive-minded team, led by the likes of Jalen Suggs, who earned All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2024. While that defensive backbone has helped Orlando stay competitive, the team has struggled at times to generate consistent offense off the bench. That’s where Schröder, a quick, crafty guard with a knack for shot creation, could step in and make an immediate impact.
He’s not just a ball-handler who can organize the offense - he’s a proven scorer who can attack mismatches, push the pace, and get to his spots in the midrange. For a second unit that needs more punch, Schröder offers a veteran presence who’s been in big moments and knows how to control tempo.
Chemistry Already Built In
What makes this potential pairing even more compelling is Schröder’s existing chemistry with several Magic players - particularly Franz Wagner. The two were standouts for Germany’s national team, leading the squad to a EuroBasket championship in dominant fashion.
Schröder was electric during that run, averaging 20.3 points and 7.2 assists while shooting over 46% from the field. That version of Schröder - confident, aggressive, and in rhythm - was a reminder of just how impactful he can be when surrounded by the right pieces.
And it’s not just Franz. Moe Wagner, Franz’s older brother, and rookie forward Tristan da Silva were also part of that German national team setup. That kind of built-in familiarity doesn’t just help on the court - it can fast-track integration into a locker room and raise the collective ceiling of a unit.
The Kings’ Perspective: Selling High
From Sacramento’s standpoint, this is about asset accumulation. At 12-33 and sitting 14th in the West, the Kings are reportedly open for business, looking to flip veterans like Schröder for draft capital or young prospects. That puts them in a strong position to extract value from a team like Orlando, which may be willing to pay a premium to solidify its playoff push.
Whether that means a first-round pick or a package of young assets remains to be seen, but Sacramento is clearly positioning itself to maximize return on players like Schröder before the deadline hits.
What’s Next?
If the Magic do make a move for Schröder, it signals a clear intent: they’re not just content with being a tough out - they’re aiming to make real noise in the East. With Paolo Banchero blossoming into a franchise cornerstone, Franz Wagner continuing to rise, and a top-tier defense already in place, adding a proven playmaker like Schröder could be the missing piece to balance the offense and stabilize the second unit.
And if that German national team magic carries over to the NBA hardwood? Watch out. This could be a subtle but significant move that helps Orlando take the next step - not just in the standings, but in their evolution from a young, promising team to a legitimate playoff threat.