One of the most shocking trades in the NBA heading into the regular season occurred between the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons. Looking to move as many veterans as possible, it wasn’t a surprise that the Jazz were shopping Bojan Bogdanovic. Surprisingly, the Pistons jumped into the fray and won the Bogdanovic sweepstakes.
Detroit traded Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee to Utah in exchange for Bogdanovic. Many people were caught off guard by the package, as no draft compensation was included and many thought they would be able to get a first-round pick in exchange for him. But, part of the reason that they were able to land him was that they weren’t sending long-term money back to the Jazz.
That is ultimately what Utah prioritized over getting draft picks. Days after the trade was completed, Bogdanovic signed a two-year extension with the Pistons worth $38.9 million with the second year of the extension not fully guaranteed. He received some more security in exchange for signing a team-friendly contract.
Signing that extension made Bogdanovic an even more attractive trade piece and his market has not quieted down. The performance of the Pistons is certainly aiding in that, as they are tied for the least amount of wins in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets at seven.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
With the unofficial trade season in the NBA beginning December 15th, rumors are swirling around Bogdanovic potentially being traded again. One team to keep an eye on once again is the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles was one of the many teams that were linked to Bogdanovic ahead of his trade to the Motor City. They have had their own struggles this season, as they are 11-15, but Bogdanovic would be a nice upgrade to their roster.
However, trading for him will be easier said than done. According to Marc Stein on his Substack, the Pistons are standing firm on their asking price for the veteran sharpshooter.
“Sources say that the Lakers recently offered a trade package to Detroit for Bogdanovic centered around one future first-round pick with unspecified draft protections attached. The Pistons have to date declined those overtures, sources add, insisting on a fully unprotected future first from the Lakers to seriously entertain a Bogdanovic swap.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Bogdanovic is playing very well, averaging a career-high 21 points per game with an impressive .508/.437/.891 shooting split. His 3-point shooting is something that the Lakers would benefit greatly from as they are last in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game and 28th in 3-point shooting percentage.
