NBA Rumors: Top 3 Landing Spots For Free Agent Dennis Schroder

He once thought of himself as a $100M man. Unfortunately, things haven't quite worked out that way for point guard Dennis Schroder. He turned down an $84M offer from the Los Angeles Lakers early in 2021, then had to accept a mid-level exception $5.9M offer from the Boston Celtics at the end of last summer. 

Now, he's back on the free agent market, and as of early September, he's still available. Schroder can provide some playmaking and a bit of scoring off the bench, if he's ready to accept that role. And if he is, here are three contenders who should be vying for his services:

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks lost guard Jalen Brunson to the New York Knicks. How will they replace that scoring and secondary playmaking behind Luka Doncic? 

League sources say that Dallas has considered the addition of one more ballhandling veteran to its roster before the season starts. Mavericks executives Nico Harrison and Michael Finley were in attendance to watch Dennis Schroder lead Germany to a 3-0 start, per @TheSteinLine. pic.twitter.com/ajTmBENyRw

— Unbiased NBA Fan (@nonbiasednbafan) September 5, 2022

Schroder has been strongly rumored to be on the Mavs' radar, and would certainly be able to fill that role. And on top of that, he would also provide better defense than the man he'd be replacing.

Miami Heat

Kyle Lowry isn't a spring chicken anymore. He's now 36, and had a troubled season last year, playing only 63 games for the Heat. Regardless of injuries or other issues, he definitely needs a competent playmaker to have his back for those times when he's not on the court. 

For a team with title aspirations, a proven ballhandler who can score and pass the ball in a backup role is needed. Schroder could be a fit. He was linked to the Heat earlier in the offseason.

Bleacher Report predicts Dennis Schroder signing with the Miami Heat in free agency

“Look for Schroder to sign a one-year deal at the taxpayer mid-level of $6.5 million in Miami to help keep Lowry fresh.” pic.twitter.com/3aiq3KLMBr

— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCom) July 4, 2022

Cleveland Cavaliers

With re-signed backup Ricky Rubio not expected back till January or February, the Cavaliers—who have newfound ambitions to be a title contender with the addition of Donovan Mitchell—need to make sure the backup PG position is maintained while they wait for Rubio's return. 

In fact, a recent report suggests that the Cavs aren't even expecting Rubio to be at full strength again until next season, so an established backup like Schroder would be a key addition. 

Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports, Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports