Dennis Schroder’s time with the Toronto Raptors may be drawing to a close amid reports that he is unhappy with his playing time.
After starting the first 29 games of the season, Schroder was put on the bench on Dec. 27. It was unclear at the time if the switch would be for good or not.
On December 30, however, the Toronto Raptors made a surprise acquisition of guards Immanuel “Quickley” and “RJ” Barrett from New York, making them the team’s starting backcourt duo. With the trade, Schroder is likely locked into a backup role for years to come.
The 33-year-old is in his second full season with the Raptors after signing a 2-year contract in the summer of 2021 for a total of $25,43 million. He joined the team as a fill-in point guard in the wake of the departure of Fred Van Vleet to sign with the Houston Rockets on a free-agent deal.
“Schroder signed with Toronto because he wanted to have his own team,” Grange said. “He came off the bench last season after playing for the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics the year before.” Grange added that Schroder was unhappy with the decision to put him on the bench before the trade.
Grange said Schroder had since agreed to be Toronto’s sixth man. Schroder, a veteran, recently said he would do whatever it takes to help the organisation win.
The Raptors, on the other hand, are in the midst of a rebuilding phase centered around rising star guard Scottie Barnes, who is 22 years old. The team has already traded two-way guard Anunoby last month to the New York Knicks, and speculation continues to swirl that Toronto may be looking to move star forward Pascal Sietam before the February 8 trade deadline.
The 26-year-old Anunoby, the 29-year-old Siakam, and the 30-year-old Schroder are among Toronto’s oldest rotation players. The Raptors might be better served trading Schroder at the deadline in exchange for another young player or draft pick.
Top trade destinations for Dennis Schroder if Toronto opts to move him
#5. Memphis Grizzlies
However, if Dennis Schroder wants to start, the Grizzlies could be an interesting option. Memphis announced on Monday that star PG Ja Morant is out for the season after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder. Morant was injured during Saturday’s practice.
The Grizzlies have gone 6-3 when Morant has been on the court. On the other hand, they’ve gone 7-20 when he’s not. Given the Grizzlies’ injury problems, they could very well call it quits and look ahead to next season. But if Memphis is serious about staying competitive, adding Schroder could be a good move.
#4. Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks: Struggling to find consistent scoring from the backcourt behind Damian Lillard, Dennis Schroder could benefit from a change of scenery if he wants to compete for an NBA championship.
Schroder could serve as Lillard’s primary backup, but he could also close games with the seven-time MVP. The fiery guard would likely help the Bucks (25-12), who are 22nd in the NBA in defensive rating at 116.3.
#3. Golden State Warriors
Chris Paul, the veteran point guard for the Golden State Warriors, is expected to be out four to six weeks due to a broken left hand. The Warriors could use a proven point guard.
Like the Milwaukee Bucks, the Golden State Warriors, who are 17-19, are also struggling on defense, ranking 21st with a defensive rating of 116.2. That’s where Dennis Schroder can help.
Just like Paul, Schroder will likely get his fair share of playing time alongside Warriors point guards Steph Curry and three-point specialist Klay Thompson. While Golden State’s rotation has been unpredictable, coach Steve Kerr has a history of favoring veterans over young players.
#2. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are another team that needs a point guard upgrade. The 25-10 Wolves have been the best team in the Western Conference through 35 games, but they still lack a veteran point guard in Mike Conley.
With an extensive injury history at 36, Dennis Schroder, a 17-year veteran, could offer injury insurance to Minnesota while getting the chance to play a significant role on a championship contender.
#1. Phoenix Suns
Of all the teams on this list, the Suns have the least trade assets, but they could still benefit from Dennis Schroder.
The Suns (19-18), meanwhile, have been plagued by injuries to superstar Kevin Durant, star Devin Booker and star Bradley Beal, and have no point guard on the roster.
So, Schroder can play a significant role in Phoenix, while also providing the team’s injury coverage for Booker and beal. Similarly, he could be the missing link in the Suns’ climb to the top of the Western Conference standings after a slow start.
