Dennis Schroder Heating Up Off the Bench - But Should the Kings Really Move Him?
It wouldn’t be NBA trade season without Dennis Schroder’s name making the rounds. Since entering the league in 2013, Schroder has built a reputation as something of a basketball nomad - suiting up for nearly a third of the league’s teams. And now, with the trade deadline looming, there’s buzz that he could be on the move again, with the New York Knicks reportedly eyeing the veteran guard.
But before we start photoshopping Schroder into a Knicks jersey, let’s take a closer look at how he got here - and why Sacramento might want to think twice before letting him go.
A Rocky Start in Sacramento
Schroder stepped into a chaotic situation when he arrived in Sacramento. The Kings had just fired their head coach, traded away their franchise point guard, and shuffled the front office.
The roster? A patchwork of mismatched pieces still searching for chemistry and identity.
In the aftermath of De’Aaron Fox’s exit, Schroder was tasked with taking over as the starting point guard. That’s no easy gig under normal circumstances, let alone in the middle of a franchise reset.
And after a strong showing in the FIBA EuroBasket Tournament over the summer, expectations were sky-high. Maybe too high.
The early returns weren’t pretty. Schroder struggled to find rhythm or consistency, and his play reflected the instability around him. With the pressure mounting, the Kings made a move that changed everything - they brought him off the bench.
Schroder Finds His Groove as a Sixth Man
Sometimes a role change is all a player needs. In Schroder’s case, moving to the bench was the reset button he needed.
With Russell Westbrook playing well in the starting role at the time, the decision was a natural one. And for Schroder, it’s paying off.
Since the switch, he’s looked far more comfortable. His shot attempts are up, his efficiency has improved, and he’s playing with more confidence.
The numbers back it up, but even beyond the box score, you can see the difference. His movements are sharper, his decisions quicker, and his defense more engaged.
This version of Schroder - the one who’s not trying to carry the weight of a franchise on his shoulders - is the one teams like the Knicks are watching closely. A veteran guard who can run the second unit, knock down shots, and bring energy off the bench? That’s a valuable piece for any playoff hopeful.
But Should the Kings Actually Trade Him?
Here’s where things get tricky. Sacramento’s front office, led by GM Scott Perry, has made no secret of its desire to hit the reset button. Nearly the entire roster is reportedly available, and Schroder is on a team-friendly deal that makes him an easy trade chip.
But this might be one of those times where the easy move isn’t the right one.
Schroder’s NBA journey has been defined by movement. He’s bounced from team to team, rarely getting the chance to settle in and build something.
That’s part of why his FIBA performances often outshine his NBA ones - in international play, he’s the guy. He’s trusted.
He knows the system, and the system knows him.
In Sacramento, there’s a chance - just a chance - to give him that kind of stability. He’s already showing signs of thriving in a defined role. If the Kings are serious about building a culture and developing a strong second unit, Schroder could be a foundational piece of that effort.
What the Knicks Could Offer
Of course, if the Kings do decide to move him, the Knicks are well-positioned to make a deal. They’ve got draft capital, young talent, and a front office that’s not afraid to make bold moves. And for a team looking to bolster its bench for a playoff run, Schroder checks a lot of boxes.
He’s experienced, affordable, and trending in the right direction. That’s a rare combination this time of year.
But Sacramento shouldn’t rush this. If they’re going to part ways with Schroder, they need to make sure they’re getting something real in return - not just a future pick or a throw-in player. Because for all the talk of rebuilds and long-term plans, having a veteran like Schroder who’s finally finding his rhythm might be more valuable than it seems.
Final Word
Dennis Schroder has been one of the league’s most movable pieces for years. But right now, he’s showing signs of becoming something more - a steady, impactful presence off the bench.
The Knicks may come calling, and the Kings may answer. But if Sacramento is serious about building something sustainable, they might want to think long and hard before they move on from a player who’s finally starting to look like a fit.