Everyone loves setting a record – as long as it’s the right record, of course. Some records are best left too history. That’s true in the NBA’s record book as well. Unfortunately for the Sacramento Kings, somebody had to have the longest postseason slump in NBA history.
Last season, they finally broke that slump. The Kings made the postseason after 16 consecutive years of missing it. This was a cause for celebration. No Kings fan could have been disappointed with the outcome of the 2022-23 season.
Next year will be different. The standard will be higher. Simply making the playoffs won’t satiate Kings fans. Now, they’ll be gunning for a series win or two. With that said, the Kings may look to improve their squad. Would acquiring Bojan Bogdanovic of the Detroit Pistons help them?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: F Harrison Barnes, G Davion Mitchell, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic, G Killian Hayes
That Kings record is likely to stand the test of time. Teams will avoid trying to break it at any cost. With that said, a team doesn’t need to match that record to have a tough spell. Just look at the Pistons.
It’s been five years since they made a postseason appearance. That isn’t so bad – it’s actually fairly normal. Rebuilding an NBA team takes time. On the other hand, it’s been – you guessed it – 16 years since the Pistons have made it out of the first round. They may not be on pace to set a brutal record, but it’s been a tough slog for supporters of this organization.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Sacramento Kings Updates
Still, brighter days are on the horizon. There’s a lot of young talent in Detroit. With that in mind, they may be hoping to take a step forward next season. Should they really trade Bogdanovic?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Well, here’s the question: how large of a step forward will the Pistons be satisfied with? Here’s another question: who do they want leading that step forward? Shouldn’t the Pistons be hoping to get competitive on the strength of growth from members of their young core?
That’s not a reason to trade Bogdanovic on its own. That would be Davion Mitchell and an unprotected first-round pick. The Pistons are still rebuilding. Trading a veteran like Bogdanovic for a quality young player and an unprotected pick has obvious benefits.
Some Pistons fans may not love the addition of Mitchell. To be sure, it’s true that the Pistons have a surplus of guards – that’s why they’re allegedly shopping Hayes. Still, Mitchell’s ability to shoot makes him a better fit with the rest of their guards.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Sacramento Kings Updates
His presence could allow them to stagger Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Still, even if the Pistons don’t like Mitchell, this is about getting future-focused value for Bogdanovic. Should the Kings give it up?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
There’s simple logic at play for the Kings here. They’re a win-now team, and Bogdanovic is a better player than Barnes. This is an open-and-shut case – isn’t it?
Not exactly, Barnes is a slightly better defender than Bogdanovic. That’s fine – the Kings have Keegan Murray waiting in the wings to replace Barnes. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he was a better player than Barnes as of next season. The Kings can afford to lose Barnes’ defense if they’re adding some offensive firepower.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Sacramento Kings Updates
Here, they would be. Bogdanovic is one of the best floor spacers in the NBA, and he can create his own shot as well. Alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis’ playmaking he should give the Kings an unstoppable offensive dynamic. If all goes well, it’ll be a while before the Kings miss the playoffs again.
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