Amid swirling trade rumors, Dennis Schroder is making a compelling case for his future with the Brooklyn Nets. Currently averaging a career-best 20.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 48.6% from the field and 46.3% from beyond the arc, Schroder is slowly putting together the best season of his NBA career.

In comparison to the former Laker’s career averages—14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 43.5% shooting and 34.5% from three—his current production is nothing short of outstanding! Needless to say, the Nets’ resident German is having the time of his life. But even as the ‘Empire State’ is riding high on their unexpected success, fueled, of course, by veterans like Schroder, the reality of a rebuild looms.

As such, whispers of potential rumors surrounding the high-flying guard have not been put behind. However, amidst all of this, the man himself made a touching pitch on X. “Ive bought into this system right now because they pay my checks & Im doing my job every single day. Im always professional about it, always going to make the most out of it. Get 1% better every day & whatever happens, happens. Its a business; no worries here,” he said, according to Brian Lewis of New York Post. 

The hoopster’s words clearly reflect his true professionalism and dedication to his craft. He further admitted that being part of trade rumors was nothing new to him. Being in the league for 12 years would naturally harden you to those, no doubt!

Aside from his spectacular performance, the next and perhaps an important aspect that makes Dennis Schroder oh-so attractive is his team-friendly $13 million expiring contract. It essentially turns him into a potential mid-term asset obviously for Jordi Fernandez and Co. first, and particularly, for contending teams looking for added depth in their frontcourt.

However, it wouldn’t be a stretch when we say that the 31-year-old’s future with the Nets is complicated.

Dennis Schroder has expressed his desire to remain in Brooklyn for the foreseeable future

The one instance (rather, a string of performances) that has really caught the eye of the NBA teams is the 6’1 German’s remarkable contribution in leading his country to a near-podium finish at the Olympics. Teams like the Orlando Magic would welcome him with open hands, considering Schroder’s skillset is a perfect fit for a team in need of a dynamic point guard.

But the truth is, Dennis Schroder is not just playing for a trade  – he’s hoping to have a bigger role in Brooklyn’s vision. In a chat with Marc J. Spears of Andscape in early August, the FIBA World Cup MVP expressed his desire to stay with the Nets. Why though?

“I want to be in Brooklyn long term,” he said, cutting straight to the chase. “Hopefully that works out. I want to be a veteran who shows the young people the way and how we should play and how we play as a team.”

But he wasn’t just blinded by a fool’s dream. Ever the professional, Dennis further added, “I understand that the NBA is always more individual, but I want to make one team like we had in Atlanta where it was about just winning and really not [caring] who scores.”

Well, Dennis Schroder has his priorities straight. The ball is in the Nets’ court now. With his stellar play and attitude, the 2013 first-round pick is bound to attract heavy attention from around the NBA. But whether he will continue his chapter in New York or move elsewhere is yet to be determined.

One thing, though, is clear – Dennis is taking everything in stride, understanding that, as he puts it, “a business.”