Even though the Nets are just three games into the season, Dennis Schroder is already reflecting on what his time in Brooklyn has meant to him.
The German point guard is playing on an expiring $13 million contract — one that could be used to make moves at the trade deadline if the Nets decide to trade some of their veterans.
“I mean, at the end of the day, I know how this business works. So at the end of the day, to be able to be in the best league in the world, that’s a blessing and I’m always grateful for it,” Schroder said Sunday following the Nets’ 115-102 win over the Bucks. “So at the end of the day, if something happens, I can handle it. But Brooklyn when I first got traded here, they texted my mom, texted my wife, sent them flowers, and I love things like that. My teammates from the first day, I think, they were talking to me. They made me feel comfortable. That’s all you can ask for. Of course, the front office and all those guys, social media guys, everybody is just cool and making sure the players are straight. That’s the reason why I can see myself of course being here long term.
“But like I said, it’s a business at the same time, and whenever a decision is made, I just go with it and always remind myself that it’s the best league in the world. So it don’t matter where. Even if I get traded, I always gotta see the positive side of it. But I want to stay here.”
The 13-year vet was acquired in February from the Raptors at the trade deadline in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie.
He was added with the hope to supplement Ben Simmons and help the team to compete for a play-in spot.
Across the first three games of the season, he has produced more than Simmons and has a plus-9.7 rating — a big jump from Simmons’ minus-11.3.
Schroder, 31, had a big game in Sunday’s home opener, scoring 29 points along with six assists and four rebounds.
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“He’s done it on a winning team, he’s done it in international basketball, and he’s done it here again,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said after the win. “So, toughness, leadership, coach on the floor, everything. Obviously he made shots and we love when these guys make shots. He was very efficient. He was a plus-27 for what it’s worth. But, you know, six assists and two turnovers, that’s a ratio you want. That’s a ratio we want from our point guards. And both of our point guards had 12 assists and four turnovers, so that’s excellent.”
Simmons was ruled out for the first time this season and will miss Tuesday’s game with the Nuggets for lower-back injury management.
Bojan Bogdanovic (left foot recovery), Day’Ron Sharpe (left hamstring) and Trendon Watford (left hamstring) all remain out.
On Monday, the Nets exercised their third-year team options for the 2025-26 season on both forward/center Noah Clowney and guard/forward Dariq Whitehead.
