Phoenix Suns had interest in Dennis Schroder before signing with Lakers
Dennis Schroder appeared like the perfect acquisition for the Phoenix Suns, particularly after some scintillating performances for Germany at Eurobasket. Alas, it wasn’t to be for a franchise still in need of greater point-guard options.
After Germany was eliminated at the semifinal stage of the tournament, news quickly broke that Schroder was returning to the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year, $2.64 million deal.
The Phoenix Suns did have interest in point-guard Dennis Schroder, making his decision to join the Los Angeles Lakers all the more odd.
According to The Athletics’ Shams Charania, the Suns were one of the teams vying for Schroder’s services. Speaking on The Rally, he confirmed both Phoenix and Toronto had interest before the 29-year-old ultimately signed with the Lakers.
"Dennis Schröder was deciding between a few teams, the Lakers, the Raptors, as well as the Phoenix Suns, I'm told."
— The Rally (@TheRally) September 16, 2022
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on Schröder agreeing to a one-year deal with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/yxN7jpZoAa
It’s an odd move for Schroder given his relatively unsuccessful season for the Lakers in 2020-21. He infamously turned down a generous contract extension during the season, before finding himself without suitors in free agency. He ultimately signed with the Boston Celtics on a one-year deal.
Schroder now returns to a Lakers roster that still holds Russell Westbrook, and recently traded for Patrick Beverley. Kendrick Nunn is also expected to return after missing all of last season through injury.
His role is uncertain moving forward, now vying for minutes in what Charania describes will be a “very, very competitive training camp”. At Phoenix, Schroder’s role would have been much more solidified, albeit without the carrot of a potential starting role. Sure, he would have been battling for minutes with Cameron Payne, but that’s a battle Schroder would have likely won given his Eurobasket form and Payne’s disappointing end to last season.
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This must have simply been a lifestyle fit for Schroder because from a basketball standpoint, it seems like a perplexing decision. Who knows, perhaps it’s further indication that Westbrook will be moved on by the Lakers prior to training camp.