KEY POINTS

  • The Knicks will try to pluck Schroder from the Los Angeles Lakers
  • Lonzo Ball is also a target for the Knicks in the offseason
  • The Knicks are preparing for the possible departures of Derrick Rose, Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina

There is no closure on what the future holds for Dennis Schroder although most are left with the understanding that the Los Angeles Lakers will make sure he stays in Hollywood.

That all boils down to money matters, something that the Lakers do not have much flexibility at the moment.

Hence, there is the possibility that the German guard could end up elsewhere. Even if he says he is happy being in Los Angeles, anything can happen.

One team that could pose a problem for general manager Rob Pelinka and company is the New York Knicks.

According to Ian Begley of SNY.tv, Dennis Schroder is one of the targets of the Knicks in the offseason.

Aside from him, New York also has its sights set on Lonzo Ball, another guard who is set to become a free agent.

While it hardly comes as a surprise that the Knicks would aim at these two top guards, there is a reason behind it.

Current guards like Derrick Rose, Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina are set to become free agents, and head coach Tom Thibodeau needs options to address his needs.

The Knicks have surprised many with their performance this season although most are focused on the breakout season of Julius Randle.

The guard rotation of Thibodeau is not exactly one of the best, further backing why going after Schroder or Ball makes sense.

But of course, the Lakers are unlikely to let Schroder go that easily. The 27-year-old has been performing well with the Lakers, especially with top stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis out due to injuries.

An initial pitch was already made to Schroder, but the German declined. However, it does not follow that he is sure to exit Hollywood.

Further talks are expected in the offseason although Pelinka will have to do a lot of pencil-pushing to pull off an acceptable contract with Schroder.

Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers Getty Images | Harry How

As for Ball, it was already mentioned in a previous post that the current Pelicans guard could join the Knicks.

Like Schroder, that all depends on what New York can offer to the 23-year-old guard.

Both Ball and Schroder are having a fine season with their respective NBA clubs, a reason why they are players to watch in the offseason.

Their respective teams are likely to pull off all stops to keep them, but the final offer could spell the difference.

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