The Detroit Pistons shipped Dennis Schroder to the Sacramento Kings this summer in a sign-and-trade deal that brought back the sizable trade exception Detroit used to add Duncan Robinson.
In the end, Schroder wound up getting the long-term deal he hoped for, signing with Sacramento for $45 million over three years. At the time, this move seemed to indicate that the Kings would be moving forward with Schroder as a key piece of the puzzle in the backcourt.
Now, that is a little less certain, as Sacramento is rumored to still be in contact with one of the top free agent guards left on the market and seems motivated to get a deal done.
Ex-Piston Schroder is Destined to Disappoint Kings After $45 Million Deal
For the Kings to still be in talks with free agent point guards after making the deal for Schroder isn't the best sign for the veteran. Sacramento has made no secret of its interest in veteran floor general Russell Westbrook this summer, and the two sides continue to circle one another in the free agent pool.
On the Kings/Russell Westbrook front:
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) July 28, 2025
Both parties have been talking and have had mutual interest since free agency began. That's been well known.
From what I gather, the Kings are still looking to move a player like Devin Carter or Malik Monk before they can bring Westbrook…
Sunday night, Matt George of ABC10 in Sacramento reported that the Kings want to add the former NBA MVP to the roster but would like to move a player like Malik Monk or Devin Carter first. Sacramento has too many cooks in the kitchen at the point guard spot already. Adding Westbrook without making any other moves first would only amplify that issue.
The next issue potentially facing Schroder is which one of those two is traded to add Westbrook. Signing the veteran seems like a guarantee at this point, and if it is Monk who is retained rather than Carter, there will be quite the competition for playing time in Northern California.
Instead of walking into an opportunity to potentially be the starting point guard in Sacramento, Schroder could be fighting for minutes against two other veterans while carrying an average annual salary of $15 million per year. If that isn't enough to add pressure onto your shoulders as an incoming free agent, I am not sure what is.
One way or another, the Kings' continued pursuit of Westbrook indicates they aren't as sold on Schroder being the guard to take the keys to the offense as the former Pistons floor general may have thought.