How does Dennis Schroder fit into Warriors given their already undersized roster? Looking at Steve Kerr's shocking trade move
The first bomb of the unofficial NBA trade season has dropped. As per ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania, the Golden State Warriors have acquired Dennis Schroder to bolster their backcourt.
On Sunday, just minutes after reporting the Warriors are in pursuit of the former Brooklyn Nets guard, Charania confirmed that Golden State and Brooklyn have finalized the deal. The Nets sent Schroder and a second-round pick in exchange for De'Anthony Melton and three second-round picks.
"The Brooklyn Nets are finalizing a deal to send guard Dennis Schroder and one second-round pick to the Golden State Warriors for De'Anthony Melton and three second-round picks, sources told ESPN. A dynamic playmaker and scorer arriving to the Warriors," Charania wrote.
Several fans and analysts regard Dec. 15 as the unofficial start of the trade season. On Sunday, several players who signed contracts last offseason will be trade-eligible. Melton is part of this list as the guard inked a one-year, $12.8 million contract. Melton appeared in just six games before suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
For coach Steve Kerr and the Warriors, Schroder will join the Golden State backcourt full of guards. Stephen Curry (6'2"), Buddy Hield (6'4"), Brandon Podziemski (6'5"), Gary Payton II (6'2"), Moses Moody (6'5"), and Lindy Waters III (6'6").
Some of the lineups they fielded this season feature a three-guard group for extended periods. As per Basketball Reference, Kerr has utilized 13 different starting lineups in 24 games played this season.
Golden State's frontline is also undersized as Trayce Jackson-Davis, who started 18 games so far, is only 6 feet 9 inches. Others in rotation are Draymond Green (6'6"), Kevon Looney (6'9"), Jonathan Kuminga (6'8"), and Kyle Anderson (6'7"). For reference, the height of an average NBA center is 6 feet 11 inches, according to a report.
Another guard in the Warriors' rotation
According to Charania, with the injury to Melton this season, Kerr has been looking for some help and has been searching for someone who perfectly complements the roster.
"[It] changed everything," Kerr said, adding, "We're mixing and matching around his absence for sure."
"But I love the guys on this team, on this roster. I think we have a lot of depth and yes, we're mixing and matching, but that's what is required right now and that's what we're going to continue to do," Kerr said before the trade was reported.
Kerr may have found some help with Schroder. The German guard can immediately have an impact with his scoring, as he is averaging a solid 18.4 points per game this season as a starter for Brooklyn.
Kerr's fascination for the small ball units is well-known. Teams under Kerr feature a faster style of play, and they are willing to surrender size for pacing and speed. This strategy has built a dynasty that won four titles in eight years. Kerr was also awarded the Coach of the Year in 2015-16 after a historic 73-9 season.
When Kerr was named the coach of the US men's national team, he tried to bring the small ball type of play into the international stage. This resulted in a disappointing fourth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines.
The Warriors have also paired with other notable point guards recently. One-time All-Star D'Angelo Russel was acquired in a sign-and-trade for Kevin Durant in 2019 but was traded again a year later.
Future Hall of Famer Chris Paul also spent one year with the Dubs, during 2023-24, where he came off the bench for the first time in his career. Both of these point guards did not pan out successfully.
Per Basketball Reference, Kerr had 27 different starting lineups last season. It will be interesting to see how the Warriors will utilize Schroder as they gear for a deep playoff run.
Is Schroder a steal at his value?
Schroder is having a career year, and he has shown in the past how good of a player he is. To add to his scoring, he is averaging a career-best 6.6 assists, shooting a respectable 45.2% from the field and 38.7% from the arc.
His defense can also be relied upon. His 1.1 steals per game is tied with this career-best for a season.
Currently playing in his 12th year in the league, Schroder joins his eighth team. He is in the second year of his two-year, $25.4 million contract, which he signed with Toronto in 2023, and will be a free agent next season.
Schroder has proven that he can be the go-to guy, including with his national team. But in a possible reserve role at Golden State, can he be a reliable option to provide consistent production?
What's next for the Warriors?
The 14-10 Warriors have been the subject of several trade rumors throughout the season. Their struggles contribute to the fuzz as they try to maximize the remaining years of Curry.
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. still has assets to make additional moves and acquire players. Reports say Golden State is one of Jimmy Butler's preferred trade destinations. An ESPN insider also suggested that there is a way to acquire two-time All-Star Zion Williamson.
As we inch closer to the Feb. 6 deadline, expect more player movement, not just from the Warriors but around the league.