Dennis Schröder Makes NBA History, Becomes First International Player to Join 10 Teams
The Sacramento Kings’ recent signing of Dennis Schröder marks a historic moment in NBA history. The German floor general agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract, a deal that simultaneously secured his future and cemented his place in the record books as the first international player to suit up for at least 10 different teams.
Prior to finalizing the agreement with the Kings, Schröder was tied with long-time NBA sharpshooter Marco Belinelli, who played for nine franchises throughout his career. Now, Schröder stands alone, a testament to both his longevity and the evolving landscape of player movement in the league.
This achievement highlights a growing trend of international players making a significant impact on the NBA, and Schröder’s journey reflects the increasingly global nature of the sport. The Kings’ acquisition isn’t just about adding a veteran point guard; it’s about welcoming a player who has redefined what it means to navigate the business side of basketball on an international scale.
Here’s a ranking of the international players who have played for the most different NBA teams, now topped by Schröder:
1. Dennis Schröder – 10 Teams
(Atlanta, Oklahoma City, LA Lakers, Boston, Houston, Brooklyn, Toronto, Detroit, Golden State, Sacramento)
2. Marco Belinelli – 9 Teams
(Golden State, Toronto, New Orleans, Chicago, San Antonio, Sacramento, Charlotte, Atlanta, Philadelphia)
3. Seven Players Tied – 8 Teams
- Gregory Shamus/Getty Images: (San Antonio, Sacramento, Milwaukee, Orlando, Memphis, New York, Miami, Detroit)
- Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images: (New York, Denver, LA Clippers, Oklahoma City, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, Washington)
- Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images: (Charlotte, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Portland, Brooklyn, Dallas, Miami, Toronto)
- Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports: (Detroit, LA Lakers, Oklahoma City, Toronto, Charlotte, New York, Boston, Utah)
- Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images: (Utah, Cleveland, Minnesota, Boston, Dallas, New Orleans, Portland)
- Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports: (Charlotte, Toronto, Orlando, Phoenix, Memphis, Oklahoma City, San Antonio)
- Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports: (Denver, Toronto, Utah, Detroit, Orlando, Miami, Boston)
4. Eleven Players Tied – 7 Teams
- Mike Watters-Imagn Images: (San Antonio, Toronto, Indiana, Sacramento, Detroit, Golden State, Orlando)
- Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports: (Milwaukee, Detroit, Orlando, Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Utah)
- Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports: (Phoenix, Houston, Miami, Brooklyn, Toronto, Chicago, Milwaukee)
- Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images: (Toronto, Detroit, Dallas, New York, Atlanta, LA Lakers, Cleveland)
- Stephen Lew-Imagn Images: (Boston, Miami, Houston, Detroit, Utah, Toronto, New Orleans)
- Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports: (Sacramento, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Cleveland, Portland, Boston, Miami)
- Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports: (Sacramento, Cleveland, Houston, Minnesota, New Orleans, Golden State, Memphis)
- Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images: (Portland, San Antonio, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Miami, Utah, LA Clippers)
- STR/AFP via Getty Images: (LA Lakers, Golden State, New York, Miami, Washington, LA Clippers, Minnesota)
- Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images: (Oklahoma City, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Charlotte, Golden State, Atlanta, Chicago)
- Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports: (Portland, Sacramento, New Orleans, Brooklyn, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Memphis)
Schröder’s extensive travels throughout the NBA demonstrate a remarkable ability to adapt and contribute to various teams. While some may view frequent moves as a sign of instability, his continued success speaks to his resilience and professional dedication. His new chapter with the Kings promises to add another compelling layer to his already unique NBA story.
