There was some optimism surrounding the Detroit Pistons heading into the 2022-23 season. With some of the moves that they made in the offseason, the organization felt that they could possibly challenge for a playoff spot, at least competing for a place in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The Pistons were the surprise winners of the Bojan Bogdanovic sweepstakes, acquiring the veteran sharpshooter from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee.
It was another sign that management thought they would take a step forward as Bogdanovic was a perfect complement to the young guys on the roster as a scorer and floor spacer.
Bogdanovic has lived up to the expectations, averaging a career-high 20.1 points per game thus far, nearly approaching the hallowed 50/40/90 shooting split. He is making 50 percent of his shots overall, 41.6 percent from 3-point range and 87.7 percent from the foul line.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates
Unfortunately, Bogdanovic’s performance has not led to more victories for the team. Detroit is currently 3-12 on the season and in the cellar of the Eastern Conference, already four games out of the final spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
With the Pistons struggling again, there has been some trade chatter surrounding Bogdanovic. He signed a two-year extension with the Pistons worth $39.1 million, however, the second year of that extension is only partially guaranteed for $2 million.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates
Alas, that could make him an even more attractive trade chip as the team acquiring him knows they have him under contract beyond this season and could be willing to part with more assets to land him.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports shared an update on Bogdanovic during a recent episode of his podcast, “Please Don’t Aggregate This”. The Los Angeles Lakers are once again showing interest in him as a trade target.
“He’s a player that I think a lot of winning teams, a team looking to get to the second round that’s never gotten there or a team that wants to push their way to really be a title threat (would want)… Phoenix was at the top of everyone’s list in terms of suitors that have capital to pay in addition to talent and the salaries that made sense… The Lakers were obviously involved. I got a list of other teams that I think have called and contacted, but nothing too crazy at this point in terms of actual conversations that are still ongoing. I do know Detroit is getting calls on him just like any team (when) we’re getting close to the Dec. 15 area where a lot of players who signed (in free agency last summer) are going to be eligible (to be traded). That’s kind of the unofficial start of the trade window. But also he’s playing really well for this team right now.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates
This should come as no surprise that Bogdanovic is already drawing trade interest. Before the Jazz traded him to the Motor City, he was drawing a ton of attention from contending teams. Those same teams now sound like they are interested in making a deal with the Pistons for him.
This could be a smart thing for Detroit to do. If they don’t begin showing signs of life soon, flipping Bogdanovic would net them some strong assets, especially if he continues playing at the level that he has been.
