The 2022-23 season has not gone as planned thus far for the Detroit Pistons. There was some hope within the organization that they could challenge for a playoff spot via the NBA Play-In Tournament. Not even 30 games into the season, that no longer seems to be an attainable goal.
Detroit has the worst record in the NBA at 7-22. Their face of the franchise, 2021 first overall pick Cade Cunningham, is set to undergo season-ending surgery for a shin injury. Losses are going to continue piling up as this franchise is likely turning its attention to the future already.
What they decide to do with veteran sharpshooting forward, Bojan Bogdanovic will be a good indication of where their heads are at. Bogdanovic was acquired from the Utah Jazz before the season in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee, but he may not be long for the Motor City.
Bogdanovic signed a team-friendly two-year, $39.1 million extension shortly after the trade, with the second season not being fully guaranteed.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates
Combine that with how well he is playing, as Bogdanovic is knocking on the door of a 50/40/90 season and averaging a career-high 21 points per game, and the Pistons are in a great spot to come out as winners in this situation.
As shared by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Pistons have set a firm asking price for Bogdanovic. If a team is willing to meet that price, a deal could be struck. Pincus also provided some franchises that are showing interest in him.
“While the team’s front office has been downplaying that it will move Bogdanović, well-placed sources say the Pistons will patiently wait for an offer with a suitable first-round pick.
Teams believed to be interested include the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, among others.”
It didn’t cost the Pistons a first-round pick to land Bogdanovic because the Jazz preferred their offer with no long-term money being attached. That isn’t something Detroit is as worried about as they are deadset on acquiring a first-round pick with as few protections as possible.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates
The Lakers have been the team linked to Bogdanovic most often, as they offered a future first-round pick with some level of protection. Detroit wasn’t interested in such a package as they are dead set on acquiring an unprotected first-round pick.
