Dennis Schroder headed into free agency hoping to cash in on a contract worth at least $100 million. However, Schroder quickly experienced the negative side of passing on a lucrative extension offer he received from the Los Angeles Lakers. As he heads toward his first season with the Boston Celtics, his wife took to social media to defend him.

Dennis Schroder loses out on millions of dollars after signing with the Celtics

Schroder entered his first free agency experience eyeing a massive contract.

However, the tables quickly turned on him as the Lakers traded for star point guard Russell Westbrook. It effectively took Los Angeles off the list as a landing spot despite his public desire to return.

Schroder’s situation turned from bad to worse as other teams around the league showed an utter lack of interest in his services. His hope to secure a $100 million deal quickly became a pipe dream. It led him to take a one-year deal with the Celtics at the $5.9 million mid-level exception salary.

His decision spawned criticism directed toward previously turning down the Lakers’ four-year, $84 million extension offer during this past season. Many pinpointed his choice to take a chance on himself, potentially costing him nearly $80 million.

As Schroder embarks on his next NBA journey, his wife took to social media to defend him.

Dennis Schroder’s wife defends his free agency decision: ‘Show some love, be patient, and watch what will happen next’

Since Schroder inked his one-year deal with the Celtics, he’s received nothing short of wide-ranging criticism.

The veteran point guard saw plenty of brush back from many in the media, highlighted by Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal clowning him for turning down the Lakers’ extension offer. Schroder’s wife, Ellen Schroder, quickly took to Instagram to defend his free agency decision.

“I’m so proud of my husband that he made this decision to stay true to himself and to fight for his goals and his vision,” Ellen Schroder wrote on Instagram via The Spun. “I know not everyone understands this. They would choose money before anything else. But let me tell you: Show some love, be patient, and watch what will happen next.”

Her comments hold a clear understanding of the situation, but she’s confident her husband will make the most of the opportunity ahead in Boston. She also did what any significant other or family member would do by publicly supporting him.

The 27-year-old lost roughly $16 million for at least the 2021-22 season, but he holds the chance to prove he’s worth a lucrative deal next offseason. In other words, it’s on him to showcase he deserves the contract he desires.

NBA future lies in his hands

Schroder may not have ended up where he wanted, but it’s a situation filled with promise.

The Celtics hope to fill the massive void left after trading four-time All-Star Kemba Walker. Although Walker struggled with injuries last season, he remained one of the team’s primary scorers and ball handlers.

Schroder can step in as the starter by bringing much-needed backcourt stability alongside Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Josh Richardson.

He isn’t the caliber of player Walker is, but he’s a proven scorer with playmaking ability behind his passing. Schroder will provide a strong presence in fastbreak scenarios while being a factor in the pick-and-roll.

The 27-year-old will likely aim for a starting role, especially due to wanting to showcase he’s worth a massive contract next summer. Only time will tell how Schroder’s tenure will unfold with the Celtics, as he certainly holds no shortage of motivation.

Contract figures courtesy of Spotrac.

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