How Good Will 12-Year Point Guard Be for the Kings?
On July 1, 2025, the Sacramento Kings made a decisive move in free agency by signing veteran point guard Dennis Schröder to a three-year, $45 million deal. The move marks the first significant acquisition under new general manager Scott Perry, who prioritized stabilizing the team’s point guard situation. Whether Schröder is viewed as a long-term solution or a short-term fix, he represents a clear upgrade over the inconsistent and injury-prone guard play Sacramento has dealt with in recent years. The kings had their eyes on a few veteran guards this offseason, and they have found one. For a franchise aiming to solidify its playoff standing in the Western Conference, bringing in a steady veteran presence was essential.
Schröder brings immediate value as a proven NBA starter with speed, playmaking, and scoring ability. Last season, he averaged 13.1 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds across 75 games, while shooting 40.6% from the field and 34.2% from three. He thrives in the pick-and-roll and plays with a level of pace and confidence that has been sorely missing from Sacramento’s backcourt. His ability to control tempo and create for others makes him a significant upgrade from what the Kings have relied on in recent seasons. On the defensive end, Schröder is competitive and disruptive, even if he’s not elite. He brings quick hands, lateral quickness, and veteran savvy to a team that struggled with perimeter defense at times. In last season’s playoffs with Detroit, he showed his two-way value, averaging 12.5 points per game while shooting 52.3% from the field and an impressive 52.9% from beyond the arc. That kind of performance in high-stakes situations is exactly what Sacramento hopes to get from him.
The fit alongside the Kings’ core looks promising. Schröder pairs well with Domantas Sabonis in pick-and-roll sets, where Sabonis’ elite passing and screening can unlock opportunities for both. With Zach LaVine expected to take on more off-ball duties, Schröder’s ability to find him in rhythm will be a huge plus. Keegan Murray, a versatile scorer and floor spacer, should also benefit from playing alongside a guard who can collapse defenses and find open shooters. Together, this group has the potential to form a more dynamic and balanced offense.
Some may view this move as a stopgap until a younger or more high-profile point guard becomes available, but that perspective overlooks what Schröder brings to the table right now. He’s a 12-year NBA veteran who has started 49 games this past season across multiple teams, consistently producing solid numbers. In a league where dependable point guard play is hard to find, Sacramento has landed a player who can stabilize the position and help guide the team through tight games. Even if he isn’t the franchise’s future centerpiece, he elevates the present in a meaningful way.
In conclusion, Dennis Schröder’s signing marks a step forward for a Kings team in need of structure, leadership, and proven production at the point guard spot. At three years and $45 million, the deal is a reasonable investment in a player who improves the Kings on both ends of the floor. His fit alongside Sabonis, LaVine, and Murray offers the kind of cohesion and versatility Sacramento has been seeking. Whether he’s a temporary solution or part of a longer vision, Schröder’s presence gives the Kings a better chance to compete and win right now.
