Kings could be ‘leading suitor’ for PG Schroder

NBA

Pistons guard Dennis Schroder, right, knocks the ball out of the hands of Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) during the second half of an April 11 game in Detroit. DUANE BURLESON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, FILE

Santa Clara guard Brenton Knapper (0) controls the ball while pressured by Gonzaga guard Ryan Nembhard during the second half of a Jan. 18 game in Spokane, Wash. YOUNG KWAK — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, FILE

Image

By Jason Anderson

The Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry has made no secret of his desire to acquire a point guard after watching from afar as the organization traded Tyrese Haliburton, De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell.

The Kings will explore all options via the NBA draft, trades and free agency with a wide range of possibilities. They could find a long-term solution or build a bridge to the future with a serviceable starter and plans to upgrade at a later date.

Several players have already been mentioned as potential targets for Sacramento, but a new one emerged on the eve of the draft. NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Kings “are already being painted as a likely leading suitor” for Schroder when free agency begins Monday.

Schroder, 31, is an unrestricted free agent who is coming off a two-year, $25.4 million contract. He earned $12.4 million in 2023-24 and $13 million in 2024-25.

According to Stein: “Schroder is expected to command a deal that could start at the full $14.1 million midlevel exception and the Kings — barring a trade that otherwise addresses their need for a playmaker — are expected to be a prime contender to try to sign the 31-year-old away from the Pistons.”

Schroder is a 12-year NBA veteran who has played for nine teams. He spent time with three teams last season — the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons — averaging 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 0.9 steals over 75 games. He shot 40.6% from the field and 34.2% from 3-point range.