Will the Dallas Mavericks regret not signing Dennis Schroder?

The Dallas Mavericks need another ball-handler after the departure of Jalen Brunson. They have an open roster spot, and Dennis Schroder was the best available point guard on the market until he signed with Los Angeles Lakers on Sept. 16. Mavs fans were disappointed, especially after Schroder took a one-year veteran minimum deal to play in Los Angeles.

Schroder improved his stock during EuroBasket by averaging 21.6 points and 7.3 assists per game as he helped Germany reach the semifinals for the first time since Dirk Nowitzki led them to the silver medal in 2005. Mavs brass was in attendance to watch him, but they did not reach an agreement.

Why did the Mavericks not pursue the 6’3 guard? Did Dallas have a chance to land him? Will they regret not signing Schroder? Here is a closer look.

Why did the Dallas Mavericks not pursue Dennis Schroder?

Schroder was impressive during EuroBasket, but fans may have already forgotten that the Celtics were a better team after they traded him. The Lakers were the defending champions in 2020 but were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in 2021 after acquiring Schroder.

The 6’3 guard turned down an $80 million extension with the Lakers before signing for the taxpayer mid-level exception last summer and a veteran minimum deal right now. Boston could not re-sign him, so it made sense for the Celtics to trade him at the deadline, but they were 31-25 on Feb. 8 when they sent him to Houston. They were 20-5 the rest of the way and reached the NBA Finals.

The Dallas Mavericks did not think Dennis Schroder improved their chances of winning a championship. They preferred the flexibility of an open roster spot over signing the 6’3 guard.