Parsing the Dennis Schröder dilemma

As the 2018 NBA Draft nears, the Atlanta Hawks and general manager Travis Schlenk are focused preparing for what will surely be the most important Hawks’ draft in recent memory. With four out of the first 34 (3, 19, 30, 34) sections in the draft on June 21, Atlanta has opportunity to right the ship for the long haul and the flexibility to essentially move to any spot in the lottery to maximize their returns. It’s an exciting time to be around the organization, for most at least.

Starting point guard Dennis Schroder shared a less enthusiastic set of thoughts, which after being translated from German, essentially relayed the message that Schroder is less than content with surroundings. However, considering his contract situation and the fact that the Hawks rebuilding phase is far from complete, the team may not be content to keep Schroder around anyway, to put it lightly.

On the surface, it may seem easier said than done to move Schroder for a decent return. In reality, the deal will most likely have to be a salary dump in which the Hawks use some of their positive assets to offset his contract. Atlanta could also take back another unfavorable contract, essentially swapping their bad money for someone else’s. On top of the monetary complications dealing Schroder entails, he has a pending felony charge in Dekalb County.

This makes trading him, regardless of potential return, very difficult, or at least it appears that way. With charges of this magnitude in the balance, it’s hard to imagine any team will want to take on his contract or give up any sort of asset to acquire him, not to mention any character red flags this may arise from potential suitors.

And finally, we can’t ignore the potential tension with at least one of his teammates after the news broke from Germany that Schroder was unhappy in Atlanta following this past season.

These tweets from Schroder and teammate Taurean Prince surfaced after the Schroder quotes on being open to a trade from the Hawks to either Indiana or Milwaukee leaked. I have no proof these tweets are actually connected but, even if this is coincidental (and that is a possibility), the timing is curious.

The Schroder situation has slowly morphed into a somewhat of a distraction for the team, and during that time, the organization changed regimes, both in the front office and on the coaching staff. The rebuild, almost as much as anything, has opened up the possibility that he could be one of the odd men out for the long term, especially after his lack of progression and off the court issues over the past two years.

The situation is certainly something to follow and keep in mind on draft night and beyond. The possibility that Atlanta will try to get creative facilitating a Schroder trade certainly exists and that makes for an anxious period between now and the start of training camp.

Stay tuned.