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LA Lakers guard Dennis Schroder is the subject of several rumors as he heads into NBA free agency this offseason. He is one of a number of point guards who may be switching jerseys this summer with multiple teams in need of a new playmaker next season.
His playoff performance notwithstanding, Schroder may have boosted his stock this past season after playing for the Lakers. He was instrumental in keeping the Purple and Gold afloat when LeBron James and Anthony Davis went down with injuries, and he had to take on a greater load as a playmaker and scorer.
The market price for Dennis Schroder
According to reports, Dennis Schroder wants a contract in the ballpark of $100-$120 million. That sounds like a fair price for a player with his experience (eight years), hasn’t played in an All-Star Game but is a legitimate starting point guard for most teams in the league.
The LA Lakers may or may not re-sign Schroder, an unrestricted free agent, this offseason depending on what offers he receives from rival teams. Some are willing to do a sign-and-trade with the Lakers just to get him the money he wants and let him join their team. But LA might not be a willing partner, as that would hard cap them next season, something they are trying to avoid.
Of course, that still depends on what the Lakers will get in return on a sign-and-trade.
Here are 3 teams that could pursue Dennis Schroder this summer:
#3 Toronto Raptors
Kyle Lowry’s days with the Toronto Raptors are likely over and he is almost guaranteed to be playing for another squad next season. His impending departure will open up a spot in the starting lineup for Dennis Schroder.
The 6-foot-3 guard from Germany will provide tough defense on the perimeter for the Raptors, who will pair him with Fred VanVleet in the Raptors’ smallish but effective backcourt. Toronto coach Nick Nurse employed the 6-foot Lowry with the 6-foot-1 VanVleet last season with mixed results, but they ended the season on a high note.
Having two playmakers on the court will help any team and Schroder will be an upgrade in height and defense over Lowry.
#2 Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls would love to have Dennis Schroder after discovering last season that Coby White isn’t ready yet for a starting position in the NBA.
Zach LaVine needs a reliable point guard alongside him in the backcourt who can create for himself and others. After Schroder’s experience playing on a team with LeBron James, he will be a more polished playmaker next season. By playing on the Bulls, he can showcase what he has learned by playing for a team that will give him the opportunity to do so.
In all likelihood, Chicago will try and work out a sign-and-trade with the Lakers in order to gain Dennis Schroder’s services. Who could the Bulls offer LA?
Lauri Markkanen and Tomas Satoransky may be the candidates for a potential sign-and-trade, but are they going to be enough to help the Lakers in their championship quest?
#1 New York Knicks
Jake Fischer reported that the New York Knicks are one of two teams set to pursue Dennis Schroder. It’s no secret that the New York Knicks are point guard hunting and they need someone like Schroder on their roster.
Bringing in the fiery guard and his 15.4 points and 5.8 assists per game would bolster the Knicks’ backcourt and give them a veteran floor general, who can give them a consistent performer to replace Elfrid Payton. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau will be elated to have a defensive guard who can also run the offense next season.
Derrick Rose did an amazing job for Thibodeau last season, but he may no longer be built for a starting point guard position.
That’s why they covet Dennis Schroder who can be signed outright. The Knicks can absorb his contract without having to go the sign-and-trade route, meaning they won’t need to complicate matters and give up assets to acquire him.
A Dennis Schroder and Julius Randle pairing in New York doesn’t guarantee that they’ll go deep in the postseason, but they will be in much better shape than they were a few months ago.
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Guess the Lakers players!
