The Dennis Schroder jokes are everywhere on Twitter, but they are not funny to him.
For those unaware, Schroder reportedly turned down an $84 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers during last season to bet on himself.
So how did that turn out?
Deal will be for the $5.9M exception, per source.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 10, 2021
He went from $84 million with the Lakers to $5.9 million with the Boston Celtics just like that.
This is obviously a shocking development for Schroder, but one fans saw coming once his play diminished near the end of the season.
So how did he get to this point?
Some Bad Advice
Dennis Schroder, turns dwn 4yrs 84 mil guaranteed from the Lakers only to accept 1yr 5.9 mil from Celtics. He should fire his agent or himself, but someone must go. Talk about fumbling a bag. 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) August 10, 2021
We have to assume Schroder took advice from his agent to turn down the $84 million and seek a larger offer in free agency.
Of course, we are simply going off reports of what happened in this situation.
If everything is true, this is some all-time terrible advice.
Not only would Schroder have ensured himself a huge payday, if the whole contract was guaranteed, but he would have played on a top contender for the length of the deal.
He had previously signed a four-year, $70 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks in 2016.
So when factoring in improvement and taxes, the $84 million figure isn’t a monumental bump in pay.
But let’s be realistic here and point out that turning down $84 million will draw zero sympathy from just about anyone.
That is life-changing money that was turned down for maybe an extra $5-10 million.
There is a difference between betting on yourself and failing to realize a great opportunity sitting right there for the taking.
This is not being written to pile on Schroder because he has to be devastated by how this played out.
Rather, it serves as a great lesson for other players around the league to secure the money and go from there.
A Fresh Start
Schroder is now heading to Boston on a one-year deal.
Kemba Walker is gone and Brad Stevens is building a new team in his image.
Schroder could potentially be a regular starter, boost his value, and make up for his past bad decision after a one year delay.
He will only be 28 years old when the season begins and being on a one-year deal allows him flexibility in the future.
The NBA free agent market varies from year to year and this year, the market was just not there for him.
His name could be a prominent one next summer if all goes well.
Yet the pressure is truly on for Schroder in Boston.
He only averaged 15.4 points per game last year with the Lakers and failed to be a reliable third option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Thus, Russell Westbrook was brought in this summer.
Even if Schroder is just average he should be able to find some multi-year deal in 2022.
Will it be for around $84 million?
That question will be lingering in his head all year long.
NEXT: Report: Celtics Interested In Bringing Back Former Star