Could Dennis Schroder end up on the wrong side of the force? The Boston Celtics guard, who rocked a Darth Vader costume on Friday night ahead of the team’s eventual 137-130 loss to the Utah Jazz, shined in defeat with 26 points, three assists, and two rebounds on a 3/8 3-point shooting night and 10/21 shooting night overall.
Schroder, who played 38 minutes during the wild west shootout, spent the most time on the floor of any game since October. The German floor general is averaging a career-high in minutes per game with the Celtics, having been forced into a starting role due to Jaylen Brown missing 10 games so far in 2021-22.
We raise this question because it seems as though we are not alone in thinking the point guard, currently on a one-year deal worth well below what many thought he’d be collecting this time last year, may not be long for Boston.
NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg believes the same:
"If the Celtics are lingering in the bottom half of the East playoff bracket (or worse) as the calendar flips to 2022, then maybe the team is more inclined to examine trade opportunities with veteran-craving rivals. Schroder’s value to a contender, even as an expiring deal, could help the Celtics fetch draft assets that might be valuable if they desire to trade for an impact talent to pair with Brown and Jayson Tatum further down the road."
If Schroder is used as a means to upgrading the roster, these 3 trade destinations register as potential landing spots:
Boston Celtics’ Dennis Schroder trade partner #1: Cleveland Cavaliers
When it comes to the Cavs roster, it seems as though J. B. Bickerstaff wants either big men or point guards…and nothing in between.
With a starting lineup of Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen to start the season, Cleveland shocked many with their ability to function without a traditionally wing in the lineup.
An injury to Sexton has compromised this strategy, although Ricky Rubio has stepped in admirably in his stead. Should Cleveland decide to want a third distributing guard to facilitate their talented core of young bigs, Dennis Schroder could be had using Cedi Osman as a trade chip.
Boston Celtics’ Dennis Schroder trade partner #2: Indiana Pacers
With the Indiana Pacers struggling out of the gates, they could end up being a rebuilding team by the end of the season. That’s a shame considering the talent they feature at the top of their roster, but Rick Carlisle is not seeing the success in Naptown he saw throughout his years roaming the Dallas Mavericks sidelines.
Assuming Indy can’t correct course, the Cs could explore swapping Schroder for a pass-first point guard in T.J. McConnell, who has two guaranteed years under contract beyond this one, and a partially guaranteed year in 2024-25. Schroder would likely be bought out in that scenario, with draft compensation being the Pacers’ primary return.
Boston Celtics’ Dennis Schroder trade partner #3: Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are a team that has simply had no luck with injuries over the past two seasons.
Losing Michael Porter Jr. to the year with a back issue makes things even more difficult for a team that already was missing Jamal Murray due to a torn ACL. Denver is sticking around in the Western Conference postseason picture, and the more they hover in the NBA Play-in spots, the more likelier it is that there will be a deal at the deadline.
Boston should pursue Monte Morris in a point guard swap, while also leaving the door open to including Aaron Nesmith in talks. Just like with Indiana and T.J. McConnell, Morris would be a multi-year investment, and Schroder would provide the other team economic relief following the 2021-22 season.
Boston Celtics’ Dennis Schroder trade partner #4: New Orleans Pelicans
NOLA has shaken off a horrific start to the season due to a big hand from Jonas Valančiūnas, who has upped his point per game total to over 18 while collecting over 12 boards a game to boot.
If they can continue to improve while waiting for the return of Zion Williamson to the lineup, an NBA Play-in spot won’t be too out of the realm of possibility. Brad Stevens would be wise to see if he can mine Garrett Temple and Tomas Satoransky for Schroder and Juan Hernangomez, reuniting ‘Juancho’ with his brother Willy in the Big Easy.