Brooklyn’s trading Dennis Schroder was strictly business.And the business is tanking.The Nets moved a 31-year-old set to hit free agency for second-round draft picks, but the endgame was ensuring themselves a better first-rounder.A lottery one.“We’re going to miss Dennis the person, on and off the court.
What he did for us in the locker room, his leadership, he exemplifies the Brooklyn grit we talk about,” GM Sean Marks said.“But these are decisions you have to make when your ultimate goal is long-term, sustainable success.
We’re weighing a lot of factors … looking at the big picture, this is what’s best for our organization long term.“Also factoring in that Dennis is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.So who knows what his market is and where he’s going to end up? But this was an opportunity for us to acquire draft assets … that helps us in our long-term build.”That always meant doing it through the lottery.
That’s why Marks required the Nets’ 2025 and ’26 picks, and why he’s already made four trips to Rutgers to scout Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey.And the fastest way to tank has always been to remove the Nets’ engine.That was Schroder.
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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! The Nets sent Schroder and a second-round pick (from Miami) to Golden State for De’Anthony Melton — who couldn’t be traded until Sunday — Reece Beekman and three seconds (Atlanta’s in 2026 and ’28, and the Warriors’ in 2029).
They created a trade exception of roughly $13 million.But most important was removing Schroder, who is having a career year.While Marks got Schroder as a salary dump from Toronto, the point guard has helped the Nets overachieve.Two days ago they were sitting i...