The Brooklyn Nets made a surprise deadline trade last season when they sent Spencer Dinwiddie to Toronto for Dennis Schroder and Thaddeus Young. They were not making the playoffs, but it was a chance to move on from Dinwiddie. Getting a veteran point guard in Schroder increased their options and improved their playmaking.
The Nets are headed towards a total rebuild. They already traded Mikal Bridges for a mountain of draft capital and more moves are likely on the way. Brooklyn is projected to have significant cap space in 2025 and hopes to add the number one overall pick to their roster.
Schroder increased his trade value by leading Germany in the Olympics. He pushed his country to new heights and did a bit of everything on the court. The Germans fell just short of medaling, but the 6’1 guard shined.
The Nets' trade for Dennis Schroder looks significantly better after the Olympics
Germany entered Olympic play planning on winning their first medal, and there were zero questions about their captain. Schroder was named flag bearer for the entire country, but he was not done there. The 6’1 guard helped his country go 3-0 in group play, including beating Victor Wembanyama and France.
Germany had never made it beyond the quarterfinals at the Olympics, but Schroder changed that with a 76-63 win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece. German GOAT Dirk Nowitzki was sitting courtside and did not shy away from praising Schroder and the entire squad (subscription required).
The Germans made history, but it was not quite enough to medal. They were upset by the hosts in the semifinals before losing to Nikola Jokic and Serbia for the bronze. Fourth is still Germany's highest-ever finish at the Olympics, and their best player was unquestionable.
Schroder averaged 17.2 points, 7.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 31.4 minutes per game. He shot 45.8 percent from the field and 39.1 percent on his threes over the six Olympic contests. The 30-year-old was named to the All-Star Five for the games and was joined by four NBA superstars in receiving the honor.
Schroder was thankful for the experience. He shined on the biggest stage and deserves plenty of credit for lifting his country to new heights.
Any team looking for a veteran point guard and leader should call the Brooklyn Nets immediately. Schroder is set to make $13.0 million this season in the final year of his contract. The Nets are unlikely to retain him beyond the 2024-25 campaign and will have him on the trade block before the deadline. He provided he can impact the game in the Olympics and now is the time to get him.
The Brooklyn Nets were not getting draft capital for Spencer Dinwiddie, but they might for Dennis Schroder. The 31-year-old helped the Lakers reach the conference finals in 2023 and has been to the playoffs eight times. He is still in his prime and just shined for his country at the Olympics. Time will tell, but do not expect to see Schroder on their roster after the Feb. 6 trade deadline.