NBA free agency did not go well for Dennis Schroder in 2021. He infamously turned down a four-year extension from the Los Angeles Lakers worth north of $80 million, believing he could earn an even bigger contract on the open market.
Whoever advised Schroder to do that could not have been more wrong. While there was a need for a point guard among numerous teams, Schroder was left out in the cold. He didn’t come close to the deal that the Lakers offered him, signing a one-year, $5.9 million deal with the Boston Celtics.
Schroder was traded to the Houston Rockets during the season and is once again hitting the free agent market. Without Bird rights or ample cap space, Houston is limited in what they can offer Schroder. The non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is worth $10.3 million and can be stretched as long as four years, is the most they can offer.
If Schroder is willing to bet on himself, he could be in a position to land a more lucrative contract signing with a team that will play to his strengths and improves his stock. It may lead to a smaller amount of money this season but would benefit the long run.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bulls Could Pursue Dennis Schroder In NBA Free Agency
Numerous teams will be in the market for point guards again this offseason. The New York Knicks and Washington Wizards are both in need of a starting point guard, but they may not be the best fit stylistically. Three teams to keep an eye on for Schroder this offseason are the LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.
The LA Clippers could have the biggest role available to him, as they desperately need another ball handler. The need could increase even more if Reggie Jackson’s contract is used to match salary in a trade.
The Milwaukee Bucks have a hole at the backup point guard spot as well. George Hill wasn’t good this season and the second unit could be weakened depending on what Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis do with their player options.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bulls Could Pursue Dennis Schroder In NBA Free Agency
The Phoenix Suns have Chris Paul locked in as their starting point guard, but after bowing out in the second round of the playoffs, could use a boost on the second unit. He is likely an upgrade over Cam Payne and Aaron Holiday and has shown he can be elite coming off the bench.
