The recent trade of Dennis Schroder by the Toronto Raptors may have resembled more of a separation than a simple transaction. Prior to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, the Raptors decided to part ways with the veteran guard, sending him to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for another prominent guard.

Following the trade, Michael Grange of Sportsnet reported that Schroder had encountered apparent issues with the Raptors in the lead-up to his departure. Grange noted that Schroder expressed dissatisfaction with being relegated to the bench by Toronto.

Upon signing with the Raptors in the offseason, Schroder had aspirations of securing a starting role and leading a playoff-bound team, as outlined by Grange.

The former first-round pick, Schroder, initially made 33 starts for the Raptors at the beginning of the season. However, he was relegated to the bench when Immanuel Quickley joined the team following the OG Anunoby trade with the New York Knicks.

Despite Schroder’s talent and solid averages of approximately 15 points and seven assists per game as a starter, along with winning FIBA World Cup MVP honors with his native Germany over the summer, his inefficient and ball-dominant style of play may be more suitable for a role off the bench.

It remains uncertain whether Schroder will receive a significant opportunity with the Nets, another youthful team prioritizing the future. Nonetheless, he evidently holds himself in high regard and has previously expressed discontent with a reserve role during his tenure with another NBA team.