NBA Trade: 3 Teams that could trade for Dennis Schroder

Dennis Schroder moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder from the Atlanta Hawks last summer as part of the trade for Carmelo Anthony. Schroder had established himself as a starter with the Hawks, although the German embraced a backup role in Oklahoma City and enjoyed an excellent season. Over 79 appearances (14 starts), the guard averaged 15.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in just under 30 minutes per contest.

Nevertheless, Schroder's future with the Thunder is in doubt as the promising Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to start in the backcourt, while Chris Paul is also set to stay for at least the start of the campaign. While Schroder is owed $32 million over the next two seasons, he would provide teams with a dynamic playmaker that can make an impact as either a starter or reserve. So, with a trade likely, here we will assess three potential destinations.

#3 Dallas Mavericks

The point guard position remains an area of weakness for the Mavs ahead of the new season

The Dallas Mavericks were ambitious during the offseason, although the team failed in their pursuit of landing a third star. Nevertheless, the Mavs have Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic locked into long-term contracts, and the team will be hoping to land a playoff spot after missing out for the past three seasons.

Overall, Dallas' roster is solid, although Delon Wright is undoubtedly the weakest point guard from the pool of Western Conference teams hoping to land a playoff spot. Schroder would offer an upgrade over the 27-year-old, and the Mavs could simply swap Courtney Lee for the German. While Lee doesn't improve the Thunder, his contract will expire next summer, and swapping him for Schroder will help speed up the organization's ongoing rebuild.

#2 Chicago Bulls

Dennis Schroder would improve a Chicago roster that has an outside chance of making the playoffs

After enduring back-to-back dismal campaigns, the Chicago Bulls are hoping to take significant strides forward over the next year. Otto Porter Jr. could prove to be a difference-maker during his first full season with the franchise, while the Bulls paid significant money to bring in Tomáš Satoranský during the summer.

They also drafted the promising Coby White, although the 19-year-old is still raw, and Chicago could use some experience in the backcourt. Schroder's ability to play both guard positions makes him the perfect candidate, and the 26-year-old could also serve as a mentor to the teenage White.

With the Thunder eager to dump salary, a path to a deal is fairly simple as the Bulls could send Christiano Felicio, Kris Dunn and a future pick to Oklahoma City - and this deal would help both teams.

#1 Indiana Pacers

Dennis Schroder could help the Pacers secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference

The Indiana Pacers boosted their backcourt significantly during the offseason as they signed the impressive Malcolm Brogdon. Nevertheless, there are concerns over how much of the season Victor Oladipo will miss, and the Pacers could use an extra body.

While T. J. McConnell was signed in free agency, he struggled to make an impact from the bench during his time with the Sixers, and the 27-year-old has never averaged more than 7.0 points throughout a season. Meanwhile, Aaron Holiday played sparingly in the playoffs following an underwhelming first season with the Pacers and Schroder would offer a much more dynamic option alongside Brogdon.

To complete a deal, Indiana wouldn't lose much as they could send Doug McDermott, T.J. Leaf, and Holiday to Oklahoma City and the arrival of Schroder could help guarantee a playoff spot for the Pacers.