After much deliberation, the NBA trade deadline is now approximately just 48 hours away. When all is said and done, that timeframe could very well also prove to be the remaining duration of Dennis Schroder’s playing career in Boston.
The German guard is not only the likeliest Celtics player to be dealt ahead of the February 10 deadline, but he’s also widely perceived as one of the more probable trade candidates across the entire league. However, Schroder doesn’t appear to be sweating the trade chatter by any means, addressing the rumors following Sunday’s 116-83 victory over the Orlando Magic.
“I’ve been hearing this for eight years now, or nine years,” Schroder said of the trade speculation. “Whatever happens, happens. … It is what it is. It’s a business. But I like the guys, the organization, I love them. So, at the end of the day, when I go somewhere else, that’s how the business goes. But I love the guys here and if I’m staying here, of course that would be better.”
Schroder, 28, inked a one-year, $5.9 million contract with the Celtics this past summer after striking out in free agency. Through 48 games this season (25 starts), he’s averaging 14.4 points (third-most on the team), 4.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds. Coming off the bench in Sunday’s win over the Magic, Schroder dropped 22 points in 20 minutes.
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Marcus Smart Staying in Boston?
Schroder hasn’t been the only Celtics guard receiving interest on the trade market. Starting point guard Marcus Smart has garnered the attention of numerous potential suitors. KSTP’s Darren Wolfson reported on February 3 that Minnesota is “definitely” trying to acquire the defensive stalwart. While the Atlanta Hawks continue to be linked as a possible destination.
With that said, when all is said and done, Matt Moore of Action Network expects Smart to remain in Boston past the deadline.
“The Boston Celtics’ priority, according to multiple sources, is to clear salary to save on the luxury tax. There are two offers on the table for Dennis Schröder according to multiple sources, one from the Milwaukee Bucks and another from the Chicago Bulls,” wrote Moore on February 6. “The other option is the annual Marcus Smart discussion that never leads to anything. They’ve looked at trading smart a dozen times in recent years and it never materializes. They can’t quit Marcus Smart.”
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Dennis Schroder Sends Blunt Message on Speculated Celtics Exit