Pistons-Jazz Trade Grades: Dennis Schroder Heads To Detroit

The Detroit Pistons are acquiring Dennis Schroder from the Utah Jazz, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Heading to Utah are K.J. Martin, Josh Richardson and a 2028 second-round pick, based on Jake Fischer’s reporting.

It’s been a whirlwind season for Schroder. He started with the Brooklyn Nets, got moved to the Golden State Warriors and was later traded to Utah as part of the Jimmy Butler deal.

Now, instead of a rebuilding situation where he appeared a buyout candidate, Schroder will be the backup point guard for a Pistons team serving as one of the most pleasant surprises of the season.

Detroit is currently seventh in the East at 25-26, one game behind the Miami Heat for the final guaranteed playoff spot.

Pistons Get Needed Guard Depth

One of the biggest reasons Detroit needed to find a deal for a guard is because of the broken fibula suffered by Jaden Ivey on Jan. 1.

Schroder had an excellent start to the season in Brooklyn, averaging 18.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists in 23 games. He also shot 38.7 percent from 3-point range.

It was a different story in Golden State, where he struggled to get acclimated. In 24 games, Schroder put up 10.6 points and 4.4 assists and shot just 32.2 percent from deep.

The 31-year-old probably isn’t starter material on a winning team but this could be a role that fits just right.

Detroit is looking to make a return to the postseason for the first time since 2019, and Schroder has the experience to help guide it there.

Cade Cunningham has been magnificent this season, but will surely appreciate having a ball-handler who can ease his burden.

Jazz Stay In The Margins

No one third-wheeled like the Jazz during this trade deadline. First, they happened to find themselves involved in the Anthony Davis-Luka Doncic swap between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. Then, they found a way to get inserted into the Jimmy Butler deal between the Miami Heat and Golden State.

Josh Richardson is a possible buyout candidate and Martin is still a young player with some potential to extract. The second-round pick keeps the bottom shelf of the draft cabinet stocked.

Grading The Deal

Detroit Pistons: B+

Detroit didn’t give up much to address a positional need. Schroder provides ball-handling depth, veteran experience, toughness and leadership. He might push a few buttons, but that can be a good thing for a Pistons team learning on the fly about winning consistently.

Utah Jazz: B

The Jazz can’t earn a bad grade when trying to hit a single and getting it done. This can’t be a great grade when that’s all you’re trying to do. Thanks for coming, Utah. Now, scram before things get awkward.