NBA Notes: Kings, Dennis Schroder, Knicks, Mike Brown, Nets

Kings

The Kings are acquiring veteran guard Dennis Schroder from the Pistons via sign-and-trade, according to The Detroit Free Press’ Omari Sankofa II.

The move, which sends Schroder to Sacramento on a three-year, $45 million contract, allows the Kings to absorb the deal into their existing $16.8 million trade exception — giving them the flexibility to maintain use of their full mid-level exception in free agency.

The Pistons, meanwhile, could generate a trade exception of more than $14 million, or use the framework to bring back a player with a salary of nearly $23 million.

Terms of the outgoing compensation from Sacramento are still being finalized, though any return to Detroit is expected to be minimal. Despite some earlier chatter, sharpshooter Malik Monk is not part of the transaction.

Schroder’s deal will be fully guaranteed for the first two years, with a partial guarantee on the third season, per Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill.

Knicks

After casting a wide net for their next head coach — reportedly requesting interviews with five currently-employed NBA coaches but getting rebuffed — the Knicks shifted their focus to a pool of more accessible candidates.

They landed on Mike Brown, who most recently coached the Kings and brings with him a reputation for structure, experience, and buy-in from players.

According to the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy, Taylor Jenkins was also in the mix but reportedly showed “less enthusiasm for the job,” while James Borrego, Micah Nori, and South Carolina’s Dawn Staley were all interviewed.

Ultimately, Brown’s track record and his ability to unite a locker room helped seal the deal.

The Knicks are confident in Brown’s ability to elevate the current roster, including Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. 

Brown isn’t required to retain any of Tom Thibodeau’s assistants, but Rick Brunson, Darren Ermann, Mark Bryant, and Maurice Cheeks are all in strong position to return, per SNY’s Ian Begley.

Brown is targeting Borrego to serve as his lead assistant and offensive coordinator, though that might prove tricky. The Pelicans would need to grant permission, and since the role would be a lateral title move, they’re under no obligation to comply.

Nets

The Nets are bringing back guard Tyson Etienne on a two-way contract, Begley reported.

Etienne, 25, played most of last season in the G League before earning a promotion to the NBA roster in March. In seven games with Brooklyn, he averaged 7.9 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 rebounds per contest, offering solid production in limited minutes.

But it was with the Long Island Nets where he truly made his mark. Etienne averaged 19.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting a blistering .495 from the field and .460 from beyond the arc in 32 G League games.

Brooklyn extended him a two-way qualifying offer over the weekend, which Etienne is expected to accept. The deal will come with a modest partial guarantee of $85,300, giving the Nets an inexpensive developmental piece who’s already proven he can contribute when called upon.