The Philadelphia 76ers have patiently stocked assets while staying near the bottom of the NBA standings, patiently waiting to build a contender. Apparently, they think Dennis Schröder is a critical piece to that goal.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers offered Nik Stauskas, Ish Smith, a first-round pick and an expiring contract believed to be JaKarr Sampson in exchange for Schröder at the trade deadline. The Atlanta Hawks did not accept.
But that might not stop the Sixers from pursuing Schröder.
Pompey adds that a source expects the teams to “revisit trade talks” around the NBA draft. Another source believes Philadelphia is prepared to offer Schröder a maximum contract.
So this is the final result of The Process, huh?
Jokes aside, Schröder is a solid young player. He’s only 22 years old and has spent three seasons as a backup to Jeff Teague. In 2015-16, Schröder is playing a career-high 21 minutes per night and averaging 11.2 points and 4.7 assists with a plus-11.9 rating, which only trails since-departed Shelvin Mack, per Basketball-Reference.
According to HoopsHype, Schröder is signed through the 2017-18 campaign. If the 76ers acquired him before that season, though, they could offer Schröder a max contract and keep him from entering restricted free agency.
While not necessarily the best move possible, Philadelphia could afford to throw a little extra money at a young player while the salary cap continues to rise.
Schröder probably won’t be a superstar, but the 76ers have a collection of inexpensive talent on rookie contracts like Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel and theoretically Joel Embiid. The same will apply to future top draft picks that may include LSU’s Ben Simmons, Duke’s Brandon Ingram or another standout collegian.
Be sure to remember this report once the 2016 draft rolls around, especially if Smith departs in free agency. Philadelphia might sacrifice a top-20 selection and some pieces in order to have Schröder lead the backcourt next season and then sign him to a hefty long-term deal.