NBA free agency has fans buzzing as big money flies around—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stays in Oklahoma City with a jaw-dropping $285 million extension, and James Harden returns to the Clippers on a hefty $40M per year deal.
But one signing has sparked heated debates across social media: Dennis Schröder’s three-year, $45 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. While it sounds impressive, many remember the moment Schröder famously turned down a massive $84 million extension from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021.
Now, fans are asking: Was it worth it? Or the biggest mistake of his career?
🤑 The $84M Deal That Got Away
Back in 2021, Schröder was riding high with the Lakers and was reportedly offered a 4-year extension worth $80–84M. Confident in his trajectory, he declined—betting on himself to finish strong and score an even larger payday in free agency.
But the gamble backfired.
📉 His stats slipped that season:
- Points per game dropped significantly
- Field goal and 3-point shooting percentages declined sharply
- Playoff performance was underwhelming
When free agency arrived, other players cashed in while Schröder sat on the sidelines waiting.
💸 The Result?
He eventually signed a one-year, $5.9M deal with the Boston Celtics—leaving nearly $78 million on the table.
🚨 The NBA Journeyman: 9 Teams in 4 Years
Since that fateful decision, Schröder’s career has been a whirlwind:
- Boston Celtics (1-year, $5.9M)
- Houston Rockets (via trade mid-season)
- Return to Lakers (1-year, $2.6M)
- Toronto Raptors (2-year, $26M)
- Brooklyn Nets (traded mid-season)
- Golden State Warriors
- Detroit Pistons
- …and now the Sacramento Kings.
🏀 In the 2024–25 season alone, Schröder played for three teams, appearing in:
- 23 games for Brooklyn
- 24 games for Golden State
- 28 games for Detroit
It’s been a nomadic existence—one that’s earned him the nickname “NBA’s ultimate journeyman.”
💵 Career Earnings: Win or Loss?
Despite missing out on the Lakers deal, Schröder has still banked over $103 million throughout his career.
✅ Add his new $45M Sacramento deal, and he’s projected to approach $150 million by the time he hits free agency again.
But here’s the kicker:
Had he signed that Lakers extension in 2021, he would’ve earned the same amount in just four seasons—rather than seven.
👑 Why Sacramento?
For Schröder, the Kings represent more than a payday—they’re an opportunity for stability and a chance to rebuild his reputation.
With De’Aaron Fox leaving for San Antonio, Sacramento needs a veteran floor general. Schröder’s leadership and experience could be the spark the Kings need to make a serious playoff push.
🗣️ In a recent interview, Schröder shared:
“I’m excited to bring my game and experience to Sacramento. It’s a fresh start—and I’m ready to prove people wrong.”
🔥 Fans React: Regret or Redemption?
Social media has been ablaze:
💬 “Imagine turning down $84M and ending up with less… that’s pain.”
💬 “Respect to Dennis for sticking it out—he’s still winning.”
💬 “Kings lowkey stole a solid player. Can’t wait to see what he does there.”
📊 Quick Career Snapshot
| Season | Team(s) | PPG | APG | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Celtics/Rockets | 10.9 | 4.2 | $5.9M |
| 2022–23 | Lakers | 12.6 | 4.5 | $2.6M |
| 2023–24 | Raptors/Nets | 13.5 | 5.1 | $26M (2 yrs) |
| 2024–25 | Nets/Warriors/Pistons | 10.8 | 5.3 | $13M est. |
| 2025–26 onward | Sacramento Kings | TBD | TBD | $45M (3 yrs) |
⚡ The Big Question: Was It Worth It?
At 31, Dennis Schröder still has time to rewrite his NBA story. While critics focus on the $84M “mistake,” his resilience and ability to bounce back keep him in the league—and in the headlines.
Will Sacramento be the place where Schröder finally silences the doubters? Or will this chapter end like the others?
👀 Your Turn: What Do You Think?
📣 Was turning down the Lakers’ $84M offer the biggest regret of Schröder’s career—or is his comeback a story of grit and perseverance?
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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