Oklahoma City Thunder Rumors: Dennis Schroder attracting interest ahead of the deadline, Andre Roberson could be traded and more

After almost of decade of contending for a championship, the Oklahoma City Thunder entered rebuild mode last summer following the departures of Paul George and Russell Westbrook. The Thunder managed to receive a record haul of future picks in return for the All-Star pair, although many experts predicted that they would face a lengthy rebuild.

Nevertheless, Billy Donovan's increasingly young side have been among the biggest overachievers of the season so far - sitting 7th in the Western Conference standings with a 30-20 record. With the Thunder likely to make the postseason for a fifth consecutive year, the likes of Chris Paul and Steven Adams are now expected to remain in Oklahoma City past the trade deadline. However, general manager Sam Presti will be active over the next week, and here we will take a look at all the latest OKC rumors you need to know.

#1 Dennis Schroder is interesting the New York Knicks

Dennis Schroder has once again been excellent from OKC's bench

Dennis Schroder joined the Thunder back in 2018 as part of the trade that saw Carmelo Anthony leave after just one season. Previously a starter with the Atlanta Hawks, Schroder has established himself as the NBA's best reserve guard during his 18 months in Oklahoma City, and Stefan Bondy of New York Daily News is reporting that the New York Knicks are interested in signing the 26-year-old:

One thing to keep in mind: the Knicks are looking for a point guard and, according to a source, are high on OKC’s Dennis Schroder.

After spending last season playing as a backup to Westbrook, Schroder is currently playing a reserve role to Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite making just one start this season, Schroder has been a huge contributor to OKC's ongoing playoff charge, averaging 19.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, and in 31.1 minutes per contest.

#2 Danilo Gallinari is attracting interest from contending teams

Danilo Gallinari has been among the NBA's best three-point shooters over the past two seasons

Unlike many of Oklahoma City's other high earners, Danilo Gallinari will hit free agency in the summer. Since joining the Thunder as part of the trade that sent Paul George to the LA Clippers, the Italian has excelled - and Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer is reporting that Gallinari is attracting plenty of interest ahead of the trade deadline:

Danilo Gallinari stands out as an option. Multiple playoff teams have expressed interest in the Thunder forward, including the Mavericks and Sixers, according to league sources. Dallas may not have enough assets to acquire Gallinari if OKC decides to trade him, but he’s a dynamic player whom the team should pursue.

Gallinari enjoyed a career-season during his final campaign with the Clippers, and the veteran has continued his form with the Thunder. Over 42 appearances, the 31-year-old has averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He is also shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc.

#3 Andre Roberson may have played his final game for the Thunder

Andre Roberson has not featured since the 2018-19 season due to a serious injury

Ahead of the season, it was anticipated that the Thunder would look to move high earners such as Chris Paul and Steven Adams in order to avoid paying the luxury tax. However, with Billy Donovan's side now in playoff contention, Ric Bucher of B/R is reporting that league executives believe that the Thunder could instead look to move the injured Andre Roberson,

With the Thunder unexpectedly entrenched as a playoff team, rival executives could see Presti limiting his activity to moving Andre Roberson and his expiring $10.7 million contract, primarily for cap relief with the Thunder currently edging over the luxury tax threshold.

Roberson has not played since January 2018 after rupturing his left patellar tendon against the Detroit Pistons. The 28-year-old is currently continuing his rehab away from the team following several injury setbacks - and it is doubtful that he will return at any point this season. He is currently in the final year of a three-year, $30 million contract that he signed shortly after being named to the 2017 NBA All-Defensive Second Team.