The Dallas Mavericks are still hunting.
Their next target? A high-energy X-factor with a history of igniting benches and rattling defenders: Dennis Schröder.
“Don’t be surprised if Dallas pursues Dennis Schröder,” a well-placed NBA source told me this weekend. That line carries weight. Around league circles, Schröder’s name has surfaced in conversations tied to the Miami Heat and Sacramento Kings, but it’s Dallas; steeped in urgency and built on star ambition—that could be the most intriguing fit.
A league fixture close to the Mavericks offered even more clarity: “Jason Kidd has always liked him. He’s liked Schröder since he’s come into the league. I remember J-Kidd wanting him in Milwaukee when Kidd was the coach.”
This isn’t a new flirtation—it’s one that’s quietly lasted years.
Why Schröder? Why Now?
Dennis Schröder, who just finished his 12th NBA season in the league played for three different teams during the 2024-25 season: the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and Detroit Pistons. The German guard averaged 13.1 points, 5.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds across 75 total games played.
He’s built his value on the intangibles that don’t always show up in the box score. He brings juice, toughness, and pace—a backcourt shot of adrenaline. His quick-twitch scoring in transition, his willingness to guard full court, and his ever-improving feel as a playmaker make him more than just a backup option.
For Dallas, who will rely on rookie Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis to anchor the offense, it’s about sustainability. Depth. Options AND tempo.
While Kyrie Irving is expected to ease into the regular season after ACL surgery recovery, Schröder has the ability to lead both the first and second units in head coach Jason Kidd’s system. The hope would be that once Irving returns, Schröder will dually give Dallas’ lineup flexibility in the second unit while also being Dallas’ fire-starter when things stagnate.
More importantly, despite an old on-court dust-up between Schröder and Irving, there’s no bad blood. Sources close to both camps describe the relationship as “professional and respectful.” Around the league, the feeling is mutual: the two can coexist, and even thrive, in the same backcourt.
And for what it’s worth—Schröder seems well aware that change could be coming. In a recent Instagram Live, the veteran guard shared a candid update on his status with the Pistons:
“I want to stay in Detroit for sure, but they ain’t waiting for me. I can tell you that for sure. They are not waiting for me,” Schröder said bluntly.
That honesty is telling—and so is the timing.
The Market Is Heating Up
The Mavericks aren’t alone in their interest. The Miami Heat have long admired Schröder’s toughness and ability to guard multiple spots. The Sacramento Kings are still looking for a viable point guard since the departure of De’Aaron Fox. Thus said, the Kings also view Schröder as an impact rotational piece.
But Dallas has two advantages: urgency and familiarity.
They know what they want, and Schröder is on their list. That counts for something in free agency—especially when roster chemistry and long-term fit are at the center of the conversation.
The Mavs are a team looking for life after an NBA Finals appearance last year, coupled with a fanbase that are still mourning the departure of Luka Doncic via trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Schröder wouldn’t just be insurance at the point guard position; he’d be a weapon.
Final Word
Dallas has already made moves this offseason with the drafting of Cooper Flagg this past week. The best teams don’t just build for the postseason; they prepare for the 82-game gauntlet before it. And Dennis Schröder is the type of player who helps you survive that grind.
Whether as a sixth man, a spot starter, or a pace-pushing disruptor off the bench, his presence would elevate the Mavs’ floor and raise their ceiling.
Stay tuned. The Mavs are still moving. And Schröder could be next.
