Dennis Schröder will enter NBA Free Agency this offseason after a wildly hectic season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Being traded to LA in the offseason after finishing second in the Sixth Man of the Year running during the 2019-20 season, Schröder found himself in a full-time starting role for the Lakers. Serving as their point guard, he averaged 15.4 points on .437/.335/.848 shooting splits, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists across 61 games.
Although many believed he somewhat underperformed, the guard has made no bones about how he will seek a hefty payday once free agency officially kicks off. Armin Andres, the VP of the German Basketball Federation, recently revealed some interesting comments on the Abteilung Basketball podcast, stating that Schröder will be seeking a deal worth from $100-$120 million on his next deal, per TalkBasket.
That would certainly be a significant price to pay for the 27-year-old’s services, which will likely cause several teams to balk from the jump. Still, interest surrounding Schröder will certainly be prevalent from some contending teams, and here are five potential suitors that could make a run at him in 2021 NBA Free Agency.
The Los Angeles Lakers could target Dennis Schröder in 2021 NBA Free Agency
According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, the Lakers offered Schröder a contract extension during the season that would have paid him $84 million over several years. He obviously turned that down that offer, likely seeking more money, which seems feasible after these latest reports suggest that he is hunting a deal worth north of $100 million.
Following a rather lackluster stretch in the playoffs, Schröder certainly did not do himself any favors trying to heighten his potential value in free agency. Scoring zero points in Game 4 of the first round and just eight points in Game 5, the guard was met with criticism, most notably by Lakers legend and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. Johnson, who won five titles with Los Angeles, was not shy about revealing his feelings toward the guard. Via AM 570 LA Sports:
"“I don’t think he’s a Laker. That’s just my opinion. I don’t know if they’re gonna sign him back or not. I don’t think he brings the winning mentality and attitude that we need. He had a chance to show that in this series. And, to me, he failed in this series.”"
While harsh, many around the basketball world seemingly share that same sentiment after the guard failed to step up. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis battling through injury, they were given little reinforcement from their starting point guard. Still, despite Johnson’s claims and the displeasure many others took with his subpar playoff performance, that does not guarantee the Lakers will just immediately cut ties.
With James and Davis missing a significant portion of the season due to injury, finding the time to gel with Schröder was a tall task. These injuries practically derailed LA’s season entirely, so regrouping and running it back next season with the same key components when healthy seems like it could be a realistic idea. The biggest factor involved in any potential extension will be the dollar amount, but do not be surprised if Schröder winds up sticking around in Los Angeles.
The Dallas Mavericks could target Dennis Schröder in 2021 NBA Free Agency
Following back-to-back first-round exits, the Dallas Mavericks will brace for a big offseason ahead that will see change hit the organization. They already made a drastic coaching change by hiring Jason Kidd, and it seems clear they will look to upgrade their roster as well to surround All-Star Luka Dončić with more talented pieces to compete. That is where someone Schröder could help this team significantly.
During the team’s playoff run this past season, it was abundantly obvious that the Mavericks needed more pieces to help keep the offense running smoothly outside of Dončić. They did not have that, and adding a floor general to help conjure offense and alleviate pressure off of Dončić will be high on their wishlist this offseason. Schröder fits the bill in that regard, being able to score, make plays, and do the little things that would help out the Slovenien phenom and allow him to play off the ball more when the situation arises.
Schröder would be an immediate upgrade over Trey Burke and Jalen Brunson, making this team more formidable on paper. Of course, the biggest factor will be the money, but this is a gamble that they might be willing to take as they look to make the leap into legitimate title-contending status. Schröder would form a lethal trio next to Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porzingis (if Dallas decides to keep him around after a brutal playoff run) that could see them make some noise in the Western Conference next season.
The Chicago Bulls could target Dennis Schröder in 2021 NBA Free Agency
Adding a point guard will be among the top priorities for the Chicago Bulls this offseason, and Schröder is a name that they have been linked to in the rumor mill.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, league sources expect the Bulls to emerge as a potential suitor for the guard once free agency opens. It is not far-fetched by any stretch to see why this would be an interesting fit as Chicago looks to fill their point guard opening. Although they would have to pull some strings to make a deal happen, Schröder would help eradicate one of the biggest flaws that has plagued this team in recent memory.
The Bulls need a floor general that can distribute and score the basketball. It has been abundantly clear as the team has cycled through guards over the past few seasons, and inking Schröder to a deal could finally put that search to an end. Schröder would immediately be an upgrade for the Bulls, forming a lethal trio with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević that would help this franchise get back into the postseason for the first time in four years.
This front office needs to be busy this offseason trying to retool this roster with hopes of getting back into contention. Although there are other players at point guard that they could justifiably make a run at, keep an eye out for the Bulls to try and bring Schröder to the Windy City next season.
The Miami Heat could target Dennis Schröder in 2021 NBA Free Agency
After a disappointing playoff run that saw them get swept in the first round, the Miami Heat will undoubtedly be mentioned heavily in the rumor mill this offseason. This team has never been shy about pursuing upgrades, and Schröder could be one name on their radar given the uncertainties at the point guard position.
Kendrick Nunn will enter restricted free agency, meaning the Heat can match any offer opposing teams make, but there will be questions about how far they would be willing to go. Goran Dragić also has an uncertain future as he flamed out in the postseason and has a team option worth $19.4 million for next season, and it remains up in the air whether they would be willing to accept bringing him back for that much.
Whatever the case might be, Schröder is someone they will likely check in on at the minimum to see if there could be any potential interest. The guard would bring a dynamic element to Miami’s backcourt while creating a formidable trio alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. With their sights set on redemption following an early close to the season, an aggressive approach this offseason is almost guaranteed from the Heat this offseason, and Schröder is just one of the many candidates that could potentially help them.
The New York Knicks could target Dennis Schröder in 2021 NBA Free Agency
Where there are potential free-agent point guards on the move, the New York Knicks are likely looking to secure a meeting the moment free agency begins. The Knicks have been unable to find a stable point guard for the past several years, and with some spending money at their disposal, they will undeniably be looking to add their long-awaited floor general for the foreseeable future.
They have been connected to several household names gearing up to test the waters this offseason, and Schröder is likely someone they would like to have a discussion with. As mentioned in the previous reporting by Jake Fischer, New York is expected to emerge as a potential suitor for the guard alongside Chicago, and the fit is understandable.
The Knicks need a point guard that complements their tandem of Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett after a stellar season that saw the franchise return to the playoffs. Sure, they could look to re-sign Derrick Rose, who was practically their best player in the postseason, but he might be best suited to be a sixth man on the team if he does not move elsewhere in free agency. Immanuel Quickley showed promise during his rookie season, but this is a team focused on bringing pieces into the fold that can help them win on impact.
Schröder would give them an immediate starter to fill that point guard position in the rotation that would provide them with a much-needed spark offensively and a boost defensively. The Knicks are a likely suitor for the 27-year-old because they have the necessary financial flexibility that other teams might not to make a strong push and sign him outright. Still, that would require mutual interest from Schröder, which could be brewing under the table.