Shams Charania reported shortly after news of the Schroder trade broke that the Cavaliers are still “strongly” pursuing both Kuminga and Watson while keeping the re-signing of James Harden as their top focus.

“The Cavaliers remain in constant communication with James Harden and his agents on a new contract to return to Cleveland while they strongly pursue two free agent forwards — restricted Peyton Watson and unrestricted Jonathan Kuminga — made more viable with Friday’s trade,” Charania reported.

What the Cavaliers gained

The Cavaliers free up about $6.8 million in cap space in this deal, reports Keith Smith of Spotrac, putting them approximately $29.6 million below the first apron of the luxury tax (and by extension about $40.3 million below the second apron).

That is still not enough room to trade for Watson or Kuminga and re-sign Harden, so either Max Struss’ salary will have to go out in any deal, or he will be traded elsewhere (Mann could also be moved again). Cleveland has more options now.

Cavaliers focused on Harden

Cleveland has remained in contact with Harden and his camp throughout the summer, Charania notes. Harden opted out of his $42.3 million player option for this NBA season to give the franchise room to chase players like LeBron James (who chose Philadelphia) or make a move for a player like Watson or Kuminga. Harden will re-sign with Cleveland for less per year but more total money across the multi-year contract.

On the flip side, if Cleveland is working to put together a better offer for Watson now that Schroder is gone, that could help guide Kuminga straight to Los Angeles. With the Lakers reportedly pursuing the forward the way that they are, they can only hope that will be the case. He should feel the same way, too, as LA has more for him.

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers are looking to ship Schroder out of town. They are more interested in bringing in either Peyton Watson or Jonathan Kuminga, which would fit more of a need than the backup point guard spot.

“The Cavs continue to discuss various trade packages involving Schroder, seeing if there is an opportunity to slightly reconfigure the roster or gain financial flexibility, which would help their pursuit of free agents Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson,” Fedor wrote.

Cavaliers taking serious approach

The Cavaliers still have that chip on their shoulder and recognize they can offer much more and re-establish themselves as a contender with the roster they have. That is the main reason why James Harden still has not signed an extension.

Harden is willing to help the Cavs out so that they have enough money to bring in another guy. However, that likely won’t be enough. Cleveland might also have to make a trade in order to free up some money to bring in one of two forwards that they have on their minds.

Cleveland has very little cap flexibility at the moment to add another player. Anyone they add would push them closer to the second apron, which is where they finished a year ago. Doing the same now would be a big issue, as then the Cavaliers would face restrictions.

The situation with Kuminga and Watson

Kuminga has reportedly not been willing to sign a minimum contract. Several teams around the league have been trying to sign him to such a deal. Watson is still in a stalemate of restricted free agency with the Nuggets. Both of them would be hard to fit into the current cap structure without making some sort of trade.

The Kings have listed several key players on their injury report for Monday’s matchup in Denver, including starters Zach LaVine (lower back) and Dennis Schroder (right hip) as questionable, leaving their participation uncertain.

Similarly, the Nuggets risk missing a couple of key contributors, but their injury outlook is more optimistic. Denver has listed Jamal Murray (left calf) and Cam Johnson (right shoulder) as probable, suggesting a strong chance they will be available for the game.

The Nuggets are expected to have both Murray and Johnson on the court Monday. Murray’s situation mirrors LaVine’s, as he has been a driving force in Denver’s early-season offense, which could struggle if he were sidelined.

The impact of LaVine on the Kings and Murray on the Nuggets

LaVine has been the cornerstone of Sacramento’s offense through six games. He is averaging 29.5 points per game with 53.0 percent shooting, 40.0 percent from three, and 94.3 percent from the free-throw line, surpassing 30 points in five of six games. Seeing how the Kings perform without LaVine would be an interesting test, particularly against a team like the Nuggets.

Meanwhile, Murray has been vital for Denver, averaging 26.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from three. He has scored 22 or more points in four of five games, including a 43-point performance in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 27.

How the Kings are coming in

The Sacramento Kings earned their second win of the season on Saturday, defeating Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on the road. The victory improved their record to 2-4 through six games.

How the Nuggets are coming in

The Nuggets are coming off a tough loss in their first NBA Cup game against the Portland Trail Blazers, falling 107-109. While stars Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon delivered, the lack of support from role players proved costly.

“Giannis came and made a gesture, came to me, and said exactly that (Their similarities due to their discrimination background). You know that we represent the country, I for Germany, he for Greece, who got his first medal as well for Greece, nothing but respect for him… We’re doing exactly the same thing [on the international level], but what he does in the NBA is a little bit on a different level,” Dennis Schroder said at the post-game press conference.

While making a comparison, the German player seized the opportunity to praise Giannis’ remarkable skills. The Greek star has solidified his status as one of the NBA‘s top foreign talents, capturing not just one championship but also earning two MVP awards. Dennis did not hesitate to acknowledge Antetokounmpo’s impressive achievements.

Their day-to-day lives in the NBA may not be similar, but at the international level, Dennis Schroder boasts a substantial advantage. With Germany, he claimed gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and 2025 EuroBasket, and he also secured a bronze at the 2022 EuroBasket. These achievements reflect his international legacy, a stark contrast to Giannis’ accomplishments with Greece, whose greatest success is the recent a bronze medal at the 2025 EuroBasket.

Dennis Schroder praises NBA legend after joining all-time EuroLeague list

After clinching the 2025 EuroLeague MVP award, Dennis Schroder earned his place among the elite, becoming only the third German to achieve this honor. He follows in the footsteps of Chris Welp (1993) and Dirk Nowitzki (2005), both legends with storied careers. Rather than focusing on his burgeoning legacy, the Kings star chose to acknowledge the national team’s success and credit a legendary figure for their achievements.

“Dirk is a guy who changed basketball for all the big guys. So, at the end of the day, I’m Dennis Schroder, and everybody got their own legacy… Dirk, what he’s been doing for the German national team and what he’s done in the NBA and in the national team made us come to the national team and represent our country,” Dennis Schroder said, as reported by BasketNews.

Schroder’s journey across multiple teams last season belied the promise he displayed since entering the NBA in 2014 with the Atlanta Hawks. This turbulent stint has caused him to contemplate his future in the league, as he appeared unsettled throughout the season.

The German guard is now faced with a crucial decision about his career trajectory. He recently addressed his situation with the Pistons, and his words have resonated controversially with the fan base. In a candid social media live session, Schroder shared his honest feelings regarding his future in Detroit.

“I want to stay in Detroit for sure, but they ain’t waiting for me. I can tell you that for sure. They are not waiting for me,” Schroder candidly stated. During the video, he also fielded questions about his prospective plans and discussed the Pistons’ strategy concerning incoming players.

Schroder’s performance with the Pistons

The Pistons face a critical decision regarding Schroder’s future with the team. While there are questions about his value moving forward, any deliberation about not retaining him for the upcoming season likely stems from his statistical contributions during his brief tenure last season.

Schroder appeared in 28 regular season games and six playoff contests for the Pistons, demonstrating his commitment to aiding the team. During the regular season, he averaged 10.8 points per game while logging 25.2 minutes on average.

However, Schroder’s postseason performance illustrated a potential lack of critical impact. Despite participating in six playoff games against the New York Knicks, he did not start in any of those matchups. He averaged 27.3 minutes per game, contributing 12.5 points per contest with a 50% field goal conversion rate on two-point attempts.

Schroder’s potential destination next season

If Schroder and the Pistons opt to part ways this offseason, the veteran guard could be on the move once again, potentially joining his 11th NBA team. According to The Stein Line, the Sacramento Kings have expressed interest in acquiring Schroder for the upcoming season.

“The Kings are already being painted as a likely leading suitor for Dennis Schroder when free agency begins,” The Stein Line reported on their social media account on X, highlighting Schroder’s potential new home within the league.

Dennis Schroder had recently expressed his desire to stay with the Golden State Warriors, citing his appreciation for the warm reception and support from the fans. He hoped to repay that faith with strong performances. However, just hours after making those remarks, the Warriors decided to trade him a move that did not sit well with the German guard.

Schroder has been vocal in the past about his frustration with the NBA trade market, criticizing the lack of control players have over their futures. His frustration surfaced again when he responded to the Warriors’ farewell post on Instagram. The Warriors’ official account shared a brief message thanking Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters III, and Schroder: “Thank you, Kyle, Dennis, and Lindy. Wishing you all the best in your next chapters.”

Feeling slighted by the lack of a dedicated post, Schroder fired back in the comments: “Wasn’t even worth my own post, huh? Thx too tho.” His blunt response made it clear that he was unhappy with how the Warriors handled his departure, further expressing his frustration over the lack of control players have in trade decisions.

While the Warriors never got to see the best version of Schroder, his adaptation to the team was becoming increasingly evident. However, given their current standing, Golden State were forced to make moves, prioritizing short-term solutions. The addition of Jimmy Butler is expected to provide an immediate boost as they aim to climb the Western Conference standings and secure a playoff spot.

Dennis Schroder gets a fresh start after trade from the Warriors

Dennis Schroder will finish the season with the Detroit Pistons after being traded multiple times before the deadline. Initially acquired by the Golden State Warriors in December 2024, he was later involved in a multi-team deal that sent Jimmy Butler to the Warriors.

Following a brief stop with the Utah Jazz, Schroder ultimately landed in Detroit, where he will look to make an impact on a young, rebuilding Pistons squad. In Detroit, Schroder is expected to provide veteran leadership and backcourt stability.

Dennis Schroder’s experience and playmaking ability should help guide a team still finding its identity. While it was a turbulent trade deadline for Schroder, the move to the Pistons presents a fresh opportunity for him to contribute in a meaningful role.

“It’s like modern slavery. It’s modern slavery at the end of the day. Everybody can decide where you’re going, even if you have a contract. Yeah, of course, we make a lot of money and we can feed our families, but at the end of the day if they say, ‘You’re not coming to work tomorrow, you’re going over there,’ they can decide that. They got to change that a little bit,” stated Dennis Schroder as reported by NBC Sports.

For Dennis Schroder, the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic trade highlights what he sees as a form of modern-day servitude in the NBA, where players have little control over their futures and are at the mercy of front-office decisions. While he acknowledges the privilege of earning millions as a professional athlete, Schroder believes players should have more agency in trade negotiations and major roster moves.

Dennis has made it clear he wants to stay with the Golden State Warriors, expressing confidence in the team’s potential: “…I want to be where I feel loved. We’re going to get back to winning ways, turn this around and hopefully we can get a run in the Playoffs. When you are received the way I was received here, obviously you want to stay”.

Despite Dennis intentions, NBA insider Marc J. Spears reports that Schroder is available for trade, raising questions about his future with the team. A clear sign that sentiment may not always align with reality of the franchise project.

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal reveals the winner of the Mavericks-Lakers trade

Many experts stated that the Mavericks by reinforcing the defense with Davis and Christie gained a lot in the short term as they knew how to play without the offensive performance of Luka Doncic due to the long term injuries suffered by the young star. After this, Shaq O’Neal analyzed this trade and stated that the Mavericks won in the short term.

“Obviously, Dallas didn’t want to move forward with one of the greatest young players that we’ve seen today…It’s obvious that they didn’t want to move forward with a 25-year-old superstar, but now he’s in LA LA land… However, I think Dallas got better of the trade for the next two years,” stated Shaq O’Neal on TNT Sports.

In the long run, the absence of an elite scorer like Luka Doncic could prove costly, as the team sacrificed offensive firepower to prioritize defense. They also strengthened a conference rival by sending one of the league’s best players to the Lakers. Only time will tell if Shaquille O’Neal’s analysis was correct.

“Man, I love playing with Dennis on our team,” Green said on the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis. “He brings a feistiness that we need at the guard spot. He brings a demeanor that we need, an alpha male that doesn’t hurt anyone.”

In a short time, Schröder has demonstrated his leadership and become a key figure both on and off the court for the Warriors. His presence alleviates some of the pressure previously shouldered by stars like Stephen Curry and Green, offering the kind of stability the team has long sought.

Schröder leading by example

Schröder has wasted no time making an impact, with Green publicly commending his teammate’s contributions. During the Warriors’ 121-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on January 4 at Chase Center, Schröder’s leadership was on full display, even influencing Green’s performance directly.

“[Schröder] said to me the other day in the Memphis game — I haven’t had a teammate say anything like that to me in years — he’s like, ‘Yo, yeah, keep talking to them. We at these boys. They ain’t cut like that.’ And I’m like, ‘You’re right, absolutely,’ ” Green shared with Davis. “He’s like, ‘But you’re talking to the refs too much. Talk to the Grizzlies. We’re talking to them, get off [those] refs.’ ”

The conversation resonated with Green. “And I came back in the second half locked in,” he said. “After the game, I hit [Schröder] and said, ‘Yo, I appreciate you saying that to me because it locked me in on what I needed to be locked in on. I’ll be honest with you, not many people would say that to me; I’m thankful for that.’ ”

A perfect fit for Green’s competitive edge

Draymond Green has long been known for his intensity, both on and off the court. His outspoken nature, often directed at referees, has drawn criticism throughout his career. Most advice he receives urges him to rein in his emotions. But Schröder’s approach—encouraging Green while refocusing his energy—aligned perfectly with the veteran forward’s mindset.

Schröder’s ability to challenge teammates constructively has already earned him the respect of one of the Warriors’ most vocal leaders. With this kind of synergy, the Warriors might just be finding the balance they need to make a deep NBA playoff run.

“Hitting the post and then doing split action, slipping out, and then the second guy coming off screens,” Schroder explained via Anthony Slater on X. “I want to shoot a lot of threes. This year I’ve been shooting a lot of threes, but in my career, I always tried to go to the basket. That’s probably the biggest adjustment. Playing fast, getting it out on the break, or after a rebound, pushing it for (Jonathan) Kuminga or Steph and running without the ball or running with the ball. Those two things, I think, are the biggest things.”

Since joining the Warriors, Schroder has averaged just 9.9 points per game—a noticeable drop from the 18.4 points he averaged with the Brooklyn Nets before being traded. His shooting percentages have also taken a hit, with 32.5% from the field and 26.3% from beyond the arc. Transitioning from a primary scorer to a tertiary role is no small feat, and Schroder’s adjustment reflects the challenges of learning a fast-paced system that emphasizes ball movement and off-ball action.

Despite his offensive struggles, Schroder has brought defensive intensity to a team already known for its strong defensive core, including players like Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga. His explosiveness on defense adds value, complementing the Warriors’ efforts to balance their offensive firepower with a robust defensive approach.

More importantly, Schroder’s presence has allowed Curry greater freedom to operate off the ball—a hallmark of the Warriors’ most successful eras. With Schroder managing the tempo and initiating plays, Curry can exploit gaps in the defense more effectively, making him an even greater threat.

A work in progress

The Warriors’ experiment with Schroder is still unfolding, and the team understands that success will take time. Schroder’s ability to integrate into the system will play a pivotal role in shaping both his individual impact and the team’s overall trajectory in a competitive Western Conference.

Schroder and the Warriors share a common mission: to redefine their identity and re-establish themselves as serious contenders. If they can fully utilize Schroder’s skills while maximizing Curry’s potential and solidifying their defense, the team may be on the verge of another memorable season.

The former Brooklyn Nets guard joined the team a few weeks ago, but his first six games have been a challenge as he strives to make a positive impact on both the team and its fanbase. Following the win against the Suns, Schroder reflected on a rare bright spot—his fifth three-pointer since arriving in San Francisco.

“It felt good, for sure, to knock down a three. It’s been a rough couple of games,” Schroder admitted to reporters. The German point guard is putting in the effort to fit into Steve Kerr’s game plan, but his recent performances have shown inconsistency as he adjusts.

Against the Suns, Schroder delivered his best performance with the Warriors to date, though it was far from dominant. He recorded 11 points, shooting 4-of-13 from the field, 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 2-of-2 at the free-throw line. Despite the modest stats, his clutch three-pointer in the final quarter helped seal the victory—a crucial contribution when the Warriors needed it most.

Schroder’s recent stints debuting in NBA franchises

Dennis Schroder has had a whirlwind journey in the NBA, playing for eight teams over his career. In the last two years alone, he has suited up for three different franchises. He started the 2023-2024 regular season with the Toronto Raptors before joining the Brooklyn Nets. By the end of the year, he found himself wearing a Golden State Warriors jersey.

Schröder made an immediate impact during his six games with the Raptors, averaging 15.6 points per game. His shooting splits included 5.5 field goals made out of 12.3 attempts, 2.3 three-pointers on 4.6 attempts, and 2.3 free throws on 3 attempts. Additionally, he contributed 17 total rebounds and dished out 56 assists during that stretch, showcasing his ability to lead the offense.

His transition to the Brooklyn Nets was less dynamic but still serviceable. In his first six games with the team, Schröder averaged 9.8 points per game, shooting 3.8 of 10.6 from the field and 1.6 of 4.1 from beyond the arc. He added 16 rebounds and 25 assists in those games, though his overall impact was less pronounced compared to his time in Toronto.

Schroder’s last match in 2024

As the curtain falls on 2024, the Golden State Warriors are gearing up for their final game of the calendar year. Positioned at 10th in the Western Conference standings, the team is determined to climb the ranks with a decisive finish to December. Their upcoming clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers presents a pivotal opportunity to build momentum and shape the narrative for the remainder of the season.

Schroder, who had been a key player for the Nets under coach Jordi Fernández, led the league in mid-range shooting percentage at 60.5%. But with the Warriors, he’s struggled to find his rhythm.

In his first five games with Golden State, Schroder has averaged just 8.2 points and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 28% from the field and a dismal 17.4% from beyond the arc—a stark contrast to his numbers with the Nets, where he posted 18.4 points and 6.6 assists per game, including a career-high 2.5 made threes per game.

Following a loss to the Clippers, Kerr addressed Schroder’s adjustment period. “It’s always difficult to join a new team midseason and not have a full understanding of your teammates and the system,” Kerr said. “He’s essentially still in training camp with us.”

Kerr expressed confidence in Schroder’s ability to turn things around.
“It’s just going to take some time,” he added. “But you trust in the player he’s been for 10 or 12 years. It’s a tiny sample size we’re working with right now, and he’ll get comfortable and settle in.”

Schroder opens up about fitting into Golden State’s system

In an interview with Marc Spears of Andscape, Schroder admitted that adjusting to the Warriors’ style has been challenging, especially given the team’s established stars.

“When you have two Hall of Famers, you don’t want to take anything away from them,” Schroder explained. “You just have to fit in. They want me to fit in, of course, but I’ve got to play my style as well. Combining that is something we’ll keep working on. But at the same time, we need to get wins.”

Schroder compared his current situation to his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he shared the court with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. “I had it in L.A., same thing,” he said. “You play, but you know LeBron James is on that court. Same here with Steph Curry, one of the best players ever. Draymond, too. It’s a different presence. But I still have to play my game.”

Curry and Green encourage Schroder

As the team’s leaders, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have publicly backed Schroder, urging him to play with the same aggression he displayed in Brooklyn.

“He has to know that we have confidence and belief in him,” Green told Andscape. “It’s tough, especially when you’re joining a team like this. With Steph Curry, naturally, you might step back. But what we want Dennis to do is push forward.”

Curry echoed Green’s sentiments, emphasizing Schroder’s importance to the team. “We want him to be as aggressive as he was in Brooklyn,” Curry said. “That’s what’s going to help us even more. And I know he knows that. I’m excited to see him get more comfortable and better each game.”