OKC Thunder: Dennis Schroder season and contract grades
Contract grade
Schroder just completed the third year of his four-year $70 million deal he signed with the Atlanta Hawks. He was one of the main components of the trade which saw the OKC Thunder move Carmelo Anthony’s salary off their books after that failed experiment.
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However, the production and growth shown by Schroder make the $15.5 million he was paid last season seem like chicken feed. He has been such an asset to the Thunder. HIs season should have resulted in the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Unfortunately, the 6’1″ point guard has to be content with being in the running for the award which is still an impressive effort. He would rather have the starting position but that will come in the next few seasons, should he stay beyond next season when his contract expires.
Contract grade: A
Season grade.
So often during the season, it was the play of Schroder which got the Thunder out of trouble. His combination with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Paul was a sight to behold. Then there was the connection he had with Nerlens Noel, often finding the big man as he rolled to the hoop.
If Paul is traded in the offseason, the OKC Thunder have their starting point guard already. It will be a seamless transition such was the quality of his play since Thanksgiving. Half a mark was taken off for his play at the start of the season.