OKC Thunder: Talking myself into Dennis Schroder
By Alex Mcewen
Financial Impact
The OKC Thunder traded Melo for two reasons the overall fit and salary relief. Sam Presti and the organization knew what the salary and tax implications would be last season before they even made the trade call to bring Melo to Oklahoma City.
If, the Melo experiment would have worked Melo would still be on the team. But, it didn’t that’s why he is off the team, OKC also saved a ton of money by moving on from Melo.
The Thunder could save an additional $14M in luxury tax and salary if they use the stretch provision on Kyle Singler and replace him with a minimum contract. The Thunder can stretch his $5M cap hit over 5 seasons and catch a break because 2019-20 is non-guaranteed. https://t.co/0HklW5yqPW
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 19, 2018
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- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Yet, dealing Melo to Atlanta didn’t come without taking back a long-term commitment. Schroder has three years and 46.5 million left on his deal.
If Schroder plays well he will become a valuable trade chip for Oklahoma City. If Schroder plays poorly OKC could have a more difficult time dealing him than the Hawks did.
Closing thoughts
Initially, I was not a fan of the trade, and I’m still on the fence about it. However, I am talking myself into the deal. Then again, I did have to talk myself into the Melo deal also.
Kevin O’Connor and local Oklahoma City sports radio host Jim Traber compared Schroder to Reggie Jackson. The comparison alone could make hairs on a Thunder fans neck stand up.
The thought is scary, but judging by his Instagram account Schroder is excited to come to come to OKC, by the way, it also appears Schroder will wear number 17.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlbeGyQFdDn/
According to the report via Adian Wojnarowski Presti and Billy Donovan both talked to Schroder; prior to the deal (Atlanta gave them permission) and they are enthusiastic about the fit.
Sources: Muscala ($5M) is likely headed for a third team in near future. OKC GM Sam Presti and coach Billy Donovan were given permission to talk with Schroder, and they're enthusiastic about partnership. OKC wants more speed, another ball handler. https://t.co/VibPPXzlBW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 19, 2018
Next: 3 reasons why Dennis Schroder raises OKC roster’s ceiling
In conclusion, the deal is a high risk/high reward move, it’s that simple. Last September OKC swung for the fences by trading for Carmelo Anthony and they missed. Presti has done it again, this time giving away less. With luck hopefully, they do not miss the intended target twice.