Report: Dennis Schroder not expected to return to Rockets in 2022-23

In recent weeks, longtime Houston Chronicle beat writer Jonathan Feigen said the Rockets view rookie guard Daishen Nix as a lottery level talent. In the team’s view, it was issues related to fitness — rather than skill or ability — that led to Nix not being drafted in 2021. Those have since been corrected, as shown by Nix’s tape and success in the G League,

If that assessment is correct, it makes sense for Nix to begin receiving legitimate NBA minutes in his second professional season. While Kevin Porter Jr. is the starter at point guard, early indications suggest that Nix could be in for a promotion to that backup role in 2022-23.

The latest evidence is Monday’s report by Kelly Iko of The Athletic, who suggests that veteran guard Dennis Schroder will be moving on from the Rockets in 2022 free agency. Iko writes:

With regards to their own free agents, Dennis Schröder is liked in Houston, but he’s expected to have a new home for the 2022-23 season, sources told The Athletic. Schröder arrived at the February trade deadline and brought professionalism, experience and speed to a team in need, but with Daishen Nix on tap, as well as Porter, (Josh) Christopher, and (Jalen) Green, there’s a real need to clear minutes for the roster’s developing young talent. Schröder is 28, in the prime of his career, expecting to play big minutes and compete deep in the playoffs.

Version 3.0 of our #Rockets notebook — The latest intel on Thursday’s draft, the assistant coaching hunt, roster moves and more.

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— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) June 20, 2022

Schroder was acquired by the Rockets primarily as salary filler in the February trade that offloaded veteran big man Daniel Theis to Boston. Once Theis no longer had a regular rotation role in Houston, it made sense for the Rockets to open up his salary slot by 2023 at the latest, which is when the team is currently slated to have significant cap room.

Schroder played relatively well in Houston after the deadline, averaging 10.9 points and 5.9 assists in 26.9 minutes. He also drew rave reviews from teammates and coaches for his leadership. But he was always a longshot to stick around long-term given his age (soon to be 29 years old), Houston’s rebuilding plans, and the emphasis on 2023 flexibility.

Once 2022 free agency begins at the end of June, it now appears clear that Schroder will be moving on, and Nix could reap the benefits.