The Miami Heat were bounced in the first round of the NBA Playoffs this year by the Milwaukee Bucks and weren’t even able to win a game in the series. It was a rough way to finish the season, but they are ready to attack roster improvement this offseason. One player they could end up targeting in free agency is point guard Dennis Schroder.
After one year with the Los Angeles Lakers, Schroder is expected to leave town. Many believe that he will be searching for a lucrative contract, along with a starting job in free agency.
One NBA executive spoke to NBA Analysis Network about the expected market for Schroder in free agency. He mentioned the Heat as a team to keep an eye on.
“I’ve been hearing a ton of (Dennis) Schroder to New York talks, but I’m not sold that will end up happening. Miami is another team to keep a close eye on. They are going to want an upgrade in the back-court and Schroder seems like a perfect fit if the two sides can agree on price.”
During the 2020-21 NBA season with the Lakers, Schroder ended up averaging 15.4 points per game to go along with 5.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds. He shot 43.7 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 33.5 percent from the three-point line. Those numbers show why the Heat would have interest in signing him.
Bringing in a dynamic scoring point guard who can also create for teammates would help take pressure off of Jimmy Butler. He can shoot the three, albeit not at an elite level, and can penetrate and get to the paint as well.
Defensively, Schroder would not be a huge upgrade for the Heat, but he is quicker and can stay in front of opposing players much better than Goran Dragic.
Miami has to make a move or two this offseason if they want to get back into NBA Finals contention. They would prefer to make a bigger splash, but that opportunity may not present itself. Pat Riley will likely have to focus on signing or acquiring supporting role players around Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Dennis Schroder may not end up being a serious target for the Heat, but signing him would make sense. This is something to watch as the NBA offseason draws closer and gets underway.
