by Windhorst explains why the Warriors were lucky to land Schröder in the trade originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
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The Stars expect the Warriors to sign veteran guard Dennis Schröder from the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
Golden State has a hard cap in the first run-up to the luxury tax due to the historic six-team deal they made in July, which also included sign-and-trades. Before Sunday’s trade, the Warriors were at about $534,000.
That left little room for the Warriors to recoup money through a trade.
But Schröder is making just over $203,000 more this season than De’Anthony Melton, who was sent to the Nets along with three future second-round draft picks.
With Melton out for the season with a torn ACL and the Warriors struggling to score late in games, they took advantage of their first chance – on Dec. 15, when Melton became tradeable – to swap salaries.
“This is the dream acquisition and not because he’s a superstar player in every way,” NBA analyst Brian Windhorst said on ESPN’s “NBA Today” Monday. “But No. 1, they really haven’t produced any talent here because Melton is out this year with the torn ACL. “Brooklyn is trying to lose more, and honestly, Schroder has been so good that they’re winning too many games.” Seriously. They’re essentially selling them for a few draft picks. That’s one thing: you’re trading an injured guy who can help right away.
“The second thing is that they really had to thread a needle here because with their salary up front. Long story short, they can only make a trade that pays a salary of $500,000 or less. They were very lucky.” Schröder only earns $200,000 more than Melton. So this deal actually worked out, they were able to do it without losing a rotation player because Melton was injured First, literally, when they were able to trade Melton on December 15th. They were very, very excited to close this deal.
After the Schröder trade, the Warriors now have $330,408 available under the first tax apron, according to the GSW CBA.
Schröder, who has averaged 18.4 points per game this season, will practice with the Warriors for the first time on Tuesday and play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.
Whether Schröder starts or comes off the bench remains to be seen, but Andscape’s Marc J. Spears likes how the 12-year NBA veteran fits with the Warriors.
“That’s a much better player than a guy with the blonde hair in Atlanta,” Spears said on “NBA Today” on Monday. “I think this is a big acquisition for the Warriors. They have desperately needed him in the last few games. Someone to give them extra points He comes in today and will guard Ja Morant on Thursday.
“He gives them some needed assists, needed defense. He gives them many needs. Lots of things they need right now. Some spice. His drive to the hole. Strong defender. He is a great asset to her. Kudos.” Too [general manager Mike] Dunleavy is supposed to fill the hole in Melton. And that’s exactly what they wanted to do: fill that void for Melton. And I think they will be very patient when it comes to getting the next big superstar.
The Warriors will need the next few weeks to see how Schröder fits into the roster. If Dunleavy and the front office believe another move is necessary, they will have the contracts, young talent and wherewithal to make a big splash.
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