After acquiring the veteran from the Golden State Warriors in their trade talks with the Miami Heat, the Utah Jazz are re-routing Dennis Schroder to the Detroit Pistons, per the Detroit Free Press’s Omari Sanfoka II. This is a deal that certainly helps the promising Pistons, who are in need of another ball-handler in the backcourt. However, it’s also a wise move for the Jazz, who already have one too many starting-caliber guards.
Jazz Re-Route Heat-Warriors Trade Acquisition Dennis Schroder To Pistons
It’s unclear whether Schroder will initially start for the Pistons or come off the bench.
2022 No. 5 pick Jaden Ivey has been out since New Year’s Day with a broken fibula and still needs time to recover. In his absence, Detroit has been starting 2023 No. 5 pick Ausar Thompson. Though the 2025 Rising Stars selection is a prized two-way playmaker, Ivey’s a more potent scorer. This is the main area where Schroder, averaging 14.4 points per game this season, makes more sense as Ivey’s replacement than Thompson.
Sources tell @freepsports that Dennis Schroder will end up with the Pistons as part of the massive Jimmy Butler deal
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) February 6, 2025
Nonetheless, it may not matter whether Schroder starts in Detroit or not. As long as he can leave his imprint on the game and take some weight off of Cade Cunningham‘s shoulders, he’ll likely be a worthwhile acquisition. That’s more than can be said about what his situation would’ve been with Utah.
Never Change, Danny Ainge
Now, Jazz CEO Danny Ainge isn’t called Trader Danny for no reason. Like any good executive, he keeps his ear to the pavement, listening for any avenue that will improve his team. However, there’s a thin line between dogged determination and overt obsession. Ainge toes that boundary more than circus performers walk across high wires.
With that being said, there was little reason for them to insert themselves in the Warriors’ trade for Jimmy Butler just to acquire Schroder. Sure, they were able to land a second-round pick in the process. To give them even more grace, it’s possible that they were even hoping to reach a buyout agreement with the 31-year-old. Still, it’s not as if the Jazz are lacking for draft capital. Furthermore, Schroder probably isn’t trying to give up any more money than he already has. A buyout was far from a guarantee.
Even if he would’ve had to fight at least four other guards for playing time.
Nonetheless, all’s well’s that ends well.
It’s gonna be K.J. Martin, Josh Richardson and a 2028 second-round pick from Detroit to Utah, source says.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 6, 2025
In fact, the Jazz were able to acquire KJ Martin, Josh Richardson, and a 2028 second-round pick in the deal for Schroder. Neither are guaranteed minutes but they don’t clog up the depth chart. Martin, an explosive young forward with a defensive bent, could be a long-term project for the Jazz. Richardson, who could be a buyout option at 31 years old, is on the decline. However, if he remains on the roster, it’s worth noting that he’s been at his best in a 3-and-D role.
© Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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