Dennis Schroder has made it clear he wants to stay with the Detroit Pistons — but the franchise may be moving in a different direction.
“I want to stay in Detroit, but Detroit ain’t waiting for me,” Schroder said during an Instagram Live session, casting doubt on a possible reunion.
According to veteran reporter Marc Stein, the Sacramento Kings are emerging as a leading suitor for the 31-year-old guard once free agency begins.
Schroder is set to become an unrestricted free agent after completing a two-year, $25.4 million contract. He played for three teams during the 2024–25 season, finishing the year in Detroit.
The German international began the campaign with the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 18.4 points and 6.6 assists per game. He was then traded and ended the season appearing in 28 games for the Pistons, where he contributed 10.8 points and 5.3 assists.
In Detroit’s six-game playoff series against the New York Knicks, Schroder increased his efficiency, shooting 49.1% from the field and 47.6% from beyond the arc.
The Pistons secured the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 44–38 record, their best finish since 2008, but were eliminated by New York in the first round.
Meanwhile, Sacramento is exploring options to strengthen its backcourt after trading De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio at midseason. The Kings finished 40–42 and were knocked out of the Western Conference Play-In Tournament by Dallas.
With no true point guard currently on the roster, the Kings are expected to be active in free agency. Stein noted that Sacramento is “already being painted as a likely leading suitor” for Schroder.
Schroder, a former Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, has playoff experience with five different franchises and remains one of the more reliable veteran floor generals available.
