Nets Projected To Have Loads Of Cap Space Following Dennis Schroder Trade

The Brooklyn Nets have made a bold move, trading veteran guard Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors just as the NBA’s trade season officially kicks off on December 15, the first day players signed as free agents over the summer can be traded.

While this timing is often more theoretical than practical, the Nets appear to be acting with purpose, choosing to offload Schroder sooner rather than later.

There are a few factors that likely led to the early trade. For one, the Nets’ unexpected competitiveness has shifted their priorities. Coming into the season with the lowest over/under win total at ESPN BET (18.5 games), Brooklyn’s surprisingly solid performance (10-15 record) has them more than halfway to that win total, and currently in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.

ESPN’s Kevin Pelton highlighted that the Nets were aiming for a high draft pick, and trading away veterans like Schroder should help the team accumulate losses, thus positioning them for a stronger lottery pick down the road.

Schroder’s play this season has also likely peaked in terms of value. The Nets acquired him and Thaddeus Young in a deal for Spencer Dinwiddie at last season’s trade deadline, but it was a trade that did not include any draft picks.

Now, dealing Schroder for a pair of future second-round picks represents a savvy move for Brooklyn, especially considering how productive the 30-year-old guard has been this season, averaging career-high numbers in points and assists. As Pelton notes, this deal could be seen as a win for the Nets, netting value for a player they acquired with little cost.

One lingering question, however, is whether other teams were interested in acquiring Schroder, particularly in packages that might have required Brooklyn to take on longer-term salary.

For instance, a potential reunion with the Los Angeles Lakers seemed plausible but would have involved Brooklyn absorbing additional salary in the form of Gabe Vincent, who is under contract for $11.5 million through 2025-26.

Instead, the Nets opted for a deal that gives them future draft assets and further financial flexibility.

As ESPN’s Bobby Marks pointed out earlier this year, Brooklyn is projected to have a league-high $70 million in cap space next summer. This gives them ample room to sign a max player or, potentially, multiple free agents.

With a strong draft pick and cap space at their disposal, the Nets are well-positioned to rebuild or strengthen their roster for the future. The Schroder trade, while shedding some current talent, aligns with Brooklyn’s long-term goals of flexibility and roster construction.

This deal exemplifies how the Nets are prioritizing their future, all while cashing in on Schroder’s increased value this season. Expect more moves as Brooklyn continues to position itself for a stronger future in a rapidly evolving Eastern Conference.