The Sacramento Kings once tabbed Dennis Schroder as a “building block” when they signed him from free agency last summer. However, they traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers (along with Keon Ellis) nearly seven months later in a three-team deal involving the Chicago Bulls.
When asked about the reason behind the move, head coach Doug Christie said that the Sacramento Kings made the trade to free up some logjam in the backcourt while acquiring one of the league’s most versatile forwards.
“I don’t think it didn’t work or any of that,” Christie said of Schroder via The Sacramento Bee. “We’re in a situation whereas we’re developing and monitoring what we’re doing. We went in a direction with De’Andre. There’s an opportunity, and Scott and the front office seized it, and super excited to have De’Andre (Hunter).”
“I think more than anything, when you look at the log jam that was created, that’s part of the issue,” he continued. “I think this particular move opens up a little bit and helps to develop Nique (Clifford) and tries to give him the ability to spread his wings a little bit.
Sacramento Kings News: DeMar DeRozan maintains even-keeled approach amid trade chatter
At this point in the season, the Sacramento Kings are leaning towards prioritizing the development of their youngsters, so they’re expected to explore trades involving their veteran stars, including DeMar DeRozan. In a recent interview, DeRozan opened up about having his name in the trade rumors.
“As long as I got an opportunity to put on a jersey, I’m gonna take advantage of it, whatever way I can,” DeRozan said. “If it’s helping guys, giving the knowledge that I have, at the end of the day, I want what’s best for these guys, whether they’re young, older, whatever it may be. Whatever it is, I’ll figure it out as it goes.”
“It always sucks to see people you go to battle with every single day,” he continued. “I wish those guys nothing but the best. It’s part of our league, it’s part of business. Me being in it this long, I see it countless times. I’ve been traded, even though it was in the offseason. It’s just part of the game.”
