Dennis Schroder is being traded to Golden State, the first of the Nets’ three veteran dominos to fall — and arguably the most pivotal in their tank for a high draft pick.
The Nets are sending the veteran point guard and a second-round pick to the Warriors for De’Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman and three second-rounders.
The news was first reported by ESPN and confirmed by The Post, which reported Golden State’s interest about a week ago.
Dennis Schroder is heading to the Warriors in a trade. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Nets fans pining for their team to make a move — any move — can take solace.
Players signed in the offseason will become eligible to be dealt on Sunday, suddenly adding 80 names that can be included in any swap.
It’s no coincidence that teams around the league have been inquiring about Schroder as well as Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder (17) defends against Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard. Noah K. Murray-NY Post
Brooklyn fans worried that their team is winning too much and fretting over falling lottery odds will be overjoyed at that prospect because, frankly, Schroder has been arguably the biggest driving force behind their surprising 10-15 start.
Schroder is averaging 18.4 points, 6.6 assists, 1.1 steals and has played harassing 94-foot defense.
Trading him could have a huge impact.
Without him, Ben Simmons becomes the only proven point guard, and his health is always a concern after back woes essentially curtailed his prior three seasons.
Behind Simmons there are only backup shooting guards Keon Johnson and Shake Milton.
Moving Schroder is the easiest way to tank, with the Nets just three games ahead of bottom-five Charlotte and holding a 42.1 percent chance of a top-four pick in the lottery.
“I’ve been in the league 12 years and people have talked about my name in trade talks for 12 years. I’ve [only] been traded twice, so [gossip] is going to happen,” Schroder told The Post recently. “They use it as an event where they can promote who is on the block. I don’t really care.
Dennis Schroder of the Brooklyn Nets drives down court as Cody Martin of the Charlotte Hornets gives chase. Robert Sabo for NY Post
“But I’ve bought into this system right now because they pay my checks, and I’m doing my job every single day, and I’m always professional about it, always going to make the most out of it. Get 1 percent better every day. And whatever happens, happens. I understand it’s a business, but no worries here.”
The business saw Schroder play himself right out of Brooklyn.
The veteran point guard is on a team-friendly $13 million expiring contract.
The Warriors, who reached out to the Nets, offered the injured Melton, on a $12.8 million expiring deal himself.
The Nets could waive Melton and create a roster spot to ink a healthy player, though he would still count against the salary cap.
