NBA Trade Window: 3 teams that should trade for Dennis Schroder

Dennis Schroder was drafted as the number 17 overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He played his first five NBA seasons with them, before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite failing to enjoy a great start in his rookie season - where he struggled to retain possession and spent time in the D League - Schroder gradually became a very important member of their setup over time, asserting himself as the first-choice point-guard by 16-17. As evidence of his development, he put pen-to-paper on a four-year, $70m contract in 2016.

Before the 18-19 season began, the Thunder traded for him to earn more depth in their backcourt. His presence has been significant, coming off the substitutes' bench while providing great contribution on both ends of the floor.

However, OKC aren't expected to be playoff hopefuls this term after trading away All-Stars Russell Westbrook and Paul George this offseason, so here's a look at three teams that should trade for Schroder as they aim to bolster their ranks before the business end of the campaign begins in 2020.

#3 Los Angeles Clippers

Doc Rivers would benefit from another reliable scoring option to rely upon from the bench

The Los Angeles Clippers are considered one of the hot favourites for the championship this season, having added Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and the aforementioned George to a lineup that surprised many despite their first-round playoff defeat in the West last term.

Great on the defensive end, the Clippers have plenty of very good individual offensive players but none of them are particularly capable as floor generals - they need bodies in the backcourt and it's increasingly clear now.

Lou Williams is the only player who can provide reliable offensive production from the backcourt, so adding Schroder can significantly boost this area going forward. This would also present a great opportunity for the German, who would earn an opportunity to contend for a championship - playing among those heavily tipped to go all the way this campaign.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James' Lakers would benefit from another scoring option with eyes set on the postseason in April

The Lakers are currently the NBA's best team with a 23-3 record, have been great on both ends of the floor and shouldn't be thinking of making wholesale changes this term.

However, the point-guard position is one area of major concern for them. LeBron James has been playing PG this season, but they lack another squad player who can legitimately help James in that role when he's on the bench resting.

Rajon Rondo, Alex Caruso and Quinn Cook are the other guards in the rotation, though none of them have quality to be a bonafide starter and don't deliver reliable numbers either. With that in mind, Schroder would be a great pick-up for the Lakers - affording James ample rest from ball-handling duties, while being allowed to mesh with James and Anthony Davis.

#1 Chicago Bulls

Schroder against the Chicago Bulls last season, another interesting ball club with playoffs the ultimate aim

The Chicago Bulls are struggling for consistency right now, sitting uncomfortably in 11th across the Eastern Conference with a 10-18 record. Kris Dunn is their first-choice point guard, but the 25-year-old hasn't been promising thus far in his NBA career.

If they harbour any true desire to reach this season's playoffs, they need an upgrade in that position and that's where Schroder comes into play. He can prove a very tantalising option to consider for the Bulls, as a 26-year-old with potential still to fulfil - while he could help form a great tandem with backcourt partner Zach LaVine for years to come.

Averaging 17 points per game in just 29 minutes for the Thunder, this move would see him return to the East where he played for five years while also allowing him to flourish among lower expectations in Chicago, where he'd be given time to settle into the team.