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Dennis Schroder will be an unrestricted agent after spending a year with the LA Lakers. He was traded to the LA Lakers in November 2020 in a package that included draft rights for the first-round pick, Jaden McDaniels, in exchange for Danny Green.
While Dennis Schroder is an exceptional talent, it is clear that he is not the right fit to play alongside superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He played his best basketball in purple and gold when both players were out with injuries.
The LA Lakers offered Dennis Schroder a 4-year $84 million contract extension, but the German star turned it down, with reports suggesting the point guard wants a contract around $100 - $120 million.
It will be in the Lakers' best interest to sign him as they have Bird rights, which means they can exceed their salary cap to sign him.
Although it is an expensive signing considering how poorly he performed in the 2021 NBA playoffs first round, it is the only way the LA Lakers can get any value from the player.
Allowing Dennis Schroder to walk away in free agency would be unwise as they will be restricted by salary cap and will pass up on the opportunity to bring other talents in the same pay range.
The sign-and-trade option is the best route for the LA Lakers as things stand. However, getting a player in the same salary range might prove difficult.
That said, here are three teams that the LA Lakers can approach for a sign-and-trade deal involving Dennis Schroder in the 2021 NBA Free Agency.
#1 New York Knicks
Derrick Rose will be the main target in this trade as he has shown glimpses of vintage Rose for the New York Knicks. He would be a perfect fit for the LA Lakers as he can control proceedings off the bench when James is resting, and can also play alongside the superstar.
Although Dennis Schroder's salary with a $100 million extension will be a lot more than Rose's annual $7.5 million, the Knicks can put together an enticing trade package. The Lakers' need for a perimeter shooter could be a reason to include Alec Burks in the trade deal, coupled with draft picks.
Burks finished the 2020-21 season, shooting over 40% from the 3-point mark. 25% of his 3's were unassisted, imagine what he could do having someone like LeBron James, who can collapse the defense and has the court vision to find the open man.
#2 New Orleans Pelicans
Aside from the obvious need to replace Dennis Schroder with a point guard, the LA Lakers could also take advantage of this sign-and-trade to bring in a center that will be a good fit.
With Marc Gasol not as athletic, Montrezl Harrell seemingly on his way out, and Andre Drummond clogging the lane, the Lakers need a center who can play alongside James and Davis.
Steve Adams struggled in his first season with the New Orleans Pelicans because of how the team was set up and Zion Williamson's role.
Trading him for Dennis Schroder will give the Pelicans quality depth in the point guard role as he will play alongside Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe. It could also be an opportunity for the Pelicans to flip Ball's free agency for more assets.
Sign-and-trade would be great for both teams as they would solve the problems of players being a good fit. Although the $100-$120 million extension will put Dennis Schroder in an annual salary range that is more than Adam's, the Pelicans can make up for it with draft picks or include another player in the trade package.
#3 Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are going through a rigorous rebuilding process, and Dennis Schroder might be the ideal experienced player to pair with the youngsters. In a situation where a sign-and-trade deal could be completed, the Magic could use Otto Porter Jr. for the trade.
Porter Jr. was traded to the Orlando Magic on deadline day on one of the worst contracts in basketball. He was expected to be bought out as soon as he arrived, but that clause was never activated.
He is one of the most underrated players in the league right now and the Orlando Magic has a unique opportunity to get some value for him.
The Orlando Magic held on to the forward in what could be seen as a move to turn him into an asset in free agency. While both players are talented, getting a player like Dennis Schroder will be an absolute steal and will work great for the Orlando Magic.
While Porter Jr. is not a good fit for the Magic, the LA Lakers could benefit from a three-and-D wing who shot over 40% from 3-point range with the Chicago Bulls. Dennis Schroder will partner with Markelle Fultz to lead the young Magic team in return.
Guess the Lakers players!
