Pistons lose valuable playoff contributor
Detroit Pistons free agent point guard Dennis Schöder is agreeing to a new deal with the Sacramento Kings, according to The Athletic’s Fred Katz. The Kings have long been rumored as the biggest suitor for Schröder this offseason.
Schröder arrived in Detroit in a mid-season trade and played a key role in Detroit’s push into the playoffs. No details about the size of the deal or whether it was a straight free agent signing or a sign-and-trade were immediately available.
The 12-year NBA veteran averaged 10.8 points and 5.3 assists per game during his time with the Pistons.
Detroit has less of a need for a significant point guard investment with the expected return of Jaden Ivey and more plans to use Ausar Thompson as a ball handler. However, the Pistons traded for Schöder in the first place because the team found itself without a natural point guard behind Cade Cunningham when Ivey was lost to a broken leg. If Ivey were to get injured again, or if Cade went down for any time, the Pistons would once again find themselves struggling to have a facilitator on the floor for long stretches of the game.
We will see if the Pistons are comfortable going into next season without that traditional backup point slot filled.