Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 players most likely to be traded in 2018-19

3. Dennis Schroder

Realistically, moving Dennis Schroder might not be a realistic idea. And yet, you better believe the Thunder will look under every rock for opportunities to move the overpaid point guard in 2018-19 if he doesn’t quickly pan out off the bench.

A big reason he’s even on the roster right now was to get rid of Carmelo Anthony and his own problematic deal. You could make the case that he’s a more valuable on-court asset than Anthony, but Schroder’s $15 million annual salary causes problems itself. Hence, the Thunder will search far and wide for interest from other clubs if he’s not the instant upgrade he needs to be.

Will they find it? Maybe. If a contender decides point guard is its biggest need or loses a starter to injury, Schroder could be a potential replacement. His contract will scare buyers away, but if he’s the missing piece, you find a way to make it work. At least he’s an experienced starter and capable conductor of an NBA offense.

Still, those financial figures will limit Oklahoma City’s opportunities. That’s why Schroder finds himself at the beginning of this list and not at the end.

The Thunder will at least listen to trade offers for Schroder leading up to the 2019 NBA trade deadline. If general manager Sam Presti can find a swap for a similarly compensated player with less years on his contract that only costs a role player, he will absolutely consider it. Anything to trim down the luxury tax bill over the next couple of seasons.