Dennis Schroder is Moving to LA
This offseason, Banner Town is going to try its hardest to bring you all the latest updates on trades, news, and free agency signings. While we don’t have the manpower of a full-fledged sports media company, it is our goal to try and replicate that feel. With that being said, the first trade of the NBA offseason was agreed to in principle today.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to trade Dennis Schroder to the Los Angeles Lakers for Danny Green and the 28th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft
Now this is a move that makes a lot of sense for both sides. The Thunder are looking to take their team in a whole new direction, while the Lakers are focused on trying to repeat as champions next year.
Lakers Perspective
Dennis Schroder was one of the best sixth men in the league last season, and I personally think he should have taken home that award. He averaged 18.9 points, 4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds a night, while helping propel the Thunder to a five seed in a tough Western Conference. The Lakers have expressed their desire to bring in a point guard, with Chris Paul and Derrick Rose being amongst those rumored to be targeted. However, Schroder could be the perfect fit to not only be a third option on that team, but also to hit down shots when they need him to. (He shot a career high 38.5% from deep last season.)
Thunder Perspective
As for the Thunder, it has been known that they are looking to go in a different direction starting next season.They overachieved this year, showing that Paul’s value is still super high, making the potential package they get for him this offseason look so much better in theory. Guys like Danilo Gallinari, Steven Adams, and Schroder were said to be off the team as soon as next year, too, so this is most likely just the start of a string of moves made by Sam Presti this offseason.
While the assets they got back for Schroder may not seem like much, his value has to be a bit lower due to the fact that every single team knows he’s available for trade. On top of that, Danny Green’s contract only has one more season left on it, and the Thunder are also able to get an extra pick in this year’s draft. The pick may be in the late first round, but there are so many question marks this year that any selection could turn out to be a steal.
