Philadelphia 76ers: Is Dennis Schroder in the Mix Now?

With Jeff Teague rumored to be undergoing a surgery to repair a torn patella tendon, the Philadelphia 76ers may not be done talking with the Atlanta Hawks.

The Philadelphia 76ers were talking about a potential trade with the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks as a trade partner is nothing new for the Sixers, as the team was reportedly discussing acquiring one of their guards at the trade deadline in a package deal that included Nik Stauskas and Robert Covington.

Just a week ago, The Vertical reported that the Hawks and Sixers were talking yet again, this time trying to whip up a deal that would send Nerlens Noel to Atlanta, and Jeff Teague to Philadelphia. It was said to be a package deal, but the moving parts were not reported, as they were probably not even close to finalized.

The likelihood that this deal occurs once the trade date comes around is now slim, though. Since the reports of the discussions came out, Jeff Teague posted a photo on Instagram (that was quickly deleted) revealing that he was undergoing surgery soon for a torn patella that he played with last season.

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Although that torn patella would explain the slight decrease in production last season, it is alarming for the Sixers. The deal was already seen as not totally attractive, since Teague was going to be an unrestricted free agent after next season, and many fans believe Nerlens Noel is the key to the future.

Still, fans should be aware that talks with the Hawks are likely not done.

Whether the Hawks knew about Teague’s injury or not (they probably did) there’s going to be a counter-offer from them, even if the Sixers back out due to the news of Teague’s injury. Luckily for Atlanta, they have another solid point guard (which is exactly what the Sixers are looking for) to offer up in a trade — Dennis Schroder.

Schroder, unlike Teague, made progress statistically last season, and seems to be on the rise as a player. He’s nearing his prime in the NBA, while Teague may be exiting his. Schroder poses the same problem as Teague contractually, however, since he will be an unrestricted free agent next season. So, for the most part, if the Sixers were to trade for either of these players, they could be giving up Nerlens Noel for a player who is a mere one-year rental guard.

Last year, Schroder closed out the year with 11.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. His minutes played were lower than Jeff Teague, and he played the understudy role to Teague. So, per 36 minutes, Schroder produced 19.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists.

I don’t think there’s a ton of shame in using Schroder as a rental guard, since the team could get a solid point guard in next year’s draft. Yes, it’s a win now move, but that’s what the Sixers may need, in my opinion. Many Sixers fans don’t see it the same way, and that’s fine.

Being rational, there’s no way the Sixers would be able to send Nerlens Noel — an unproven offensive player who took a step back last season — for Jeff Teague straight up. They would definitely have to give up more. For Schroder, however, a straight up deal makes NBA sense. The contracts match up for the most part as well in the Noel-for-Schroder deal.

I’m not a huge Schroder fan, but looking at his trajectory, the best is yet to come for him, whereas with Teague, his best is likely already past. If the Sixers could somehow guarantee he would be with the team for more than just next season — perhaps with an immediate contract extension clause should they trade for him — there may be value in that. He has the ability to score and facilitate the offense for other players.

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Now that Teague is likely a no-go for Philly, or any other team in a trade for that matter, the Hawks will be looking to ship Schroder, and the Sixers will have first dibs, if they want him.