Now that Dennis Schroder has been traded to the Cavaliers, the Pistons could theoretically take him into their trade exception, the one that was created when he signed with the Kings last summer.
That idea was floated by the Game Theory Podcast host Sam Vecenie and it got a chuckle out of Bryce Simon, who knows as well as I do that this is a move that would inflame the fanbase, which has grown protective of two-way player Daniss Jenkins, who is doing his best Schroder impression this season.
I wrote earlier how the Schroder move worked out well for the Pistons, as it not only landed them a trade exception but opened the door for Jenkins to contribute on a lowball contract.
Even if Jenkins gets a raise above the minimum, which is expected, the duration of his next contract won’t amount to one season of Schroder, so this was clearly a more efficient option for the Pistons.
There is some logic in the Pistons taking Schroder back, but it’s not a move I expect to happen.
Trading for Dennis Schroder makes more sense for the Cavaliers than Pistons
If the Cavs were able to unload Schroder’s contract without taking one back, which they could with the Pistons, they would save a TON of money in tax penalties, so I’m sure it’s an idea they’d jump on if they are looking to save cash.
It makes far less sense for the Pistons, who already have Jenkins, who is pretty much giving the Pistons what Schroder would only doing it more efficiently and at a fraction of the cost.
Jenkins has been a better shooter than Schroder this season, so while a veteran ball handler would be nice, it’s not the Pistons’ biggest need.
There’s also the issue of Schroder’s contract. I just went on a heater this morning talking about how silly it was for the Kings to give a 3-year deal to a journeyman like Schroder, a deal the Pistons have no interest in taking on themselves, even if it’s for free.
The Pistons have plenty of low-cost options at guard, so if they are going to upgrade the position, it needs to be significant, or at least someone who can shoot 3’s more consistently. I’d rather just give additional shots to Jenkins, Ivey and Marcus Sasser.
Schroder will make $14.8 and $15.5 million in the two seasons after this one, money the Pistons do not want on their books just as Jalen Duren gets a raise.
It would be funny to see a player get traded into his own trade exception, as I am not sure it has ever happened, but it’s not likely to in this situation either.