The Utah Jazz have made it a point to trade veteran players to fully commit to a rebuilding process after another failed playoff run. The latest trade to get done involved Bojan Bogdanovic being acquired by the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season.
There was no shortage of interested trade suitors for Bogdanovic that engaged the Jazz in discussions. The 6-foot-7 forward has a helpful skill-set and is coming off a season averaging 18.1 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 38.7% from 3-point range.
Among the interested trade suitors in Bogdanovic’s services was the Phoenix Suns. After being eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals, it became clear that another shot creator was needed for the Suns to pair with Chris Paul and Devin Booker.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz & Phoenix Suns Updates
According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix, the trade negotiations between the Suns and Jazz ‘broke down’ after Phoenix sought Jarred Vanderbilt to be included.
“Talks with the Suns and Jazz broke down over Bojan Bogdanovic when Phoenix wanted Utah to add young power forward Jarred Vanderbilt to the package,” Gambodoro reported
The Suns currently face the need to resolve their situation with Jae Crowder ahead of the 2022-23 season beginning. He is not happy with his situation on the team and even tweeted (then deleted) on Friday that he will not be attending training camp.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz & Phoenix Suns Updates
Bogdanovic could have been a helpful talent to have to replace Crowder. He can play both forward positions and is a more talented offensive threat as a shot creator. He’s more capable of running high pick-and-rolls and can break down a defender off the bounce more effectively.
Instead of helping the Suns contend with Chris Paul and Devin Booker, Bojan Bogdanovic will be helping the Detroit Pistons grow into a winning culture with Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
