NBA players make a lot of money. They deserve it, too. After all, they generate a lot of money. If it didn’t go in their pockets, it would go in the pockets of the owners. With that in mind, some players make a little more money than their general managers would like.
Don’t hate the player: hate the game. If someone offered you $20 million dollars a year, you’d probably take it. It wouldn’t matter if you felt that you deserved it. You would take the money and run. That’s what NBA players do, too. They’re accepting once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Still, sometimes they end up overpaying as a result.
Will the Atlanta Hawks regret giving Bogdan Bogdanovic a big contract this summer? We will see. It’s worth noting that Bogdanovic is aging, and he’s on a four-year deal. If it doesn’t look like it will age well, could the Hawks send him to the Houston Rockets?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., C Boban Marjanovic, 2024 Second-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2024 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic
NBA players can cost themselves a lot of money, too. That’s a callous way to describe what Kevin Porter Jr. did this summer. The allegations against him are horrific. The available evidence to the public strongly suggests that Porter Jr. assaulted his girlfriend. Frankly, this young man doesn’t deserve another dime of NBA money.
So, all of your thoughts should be with the victim. Still, it’s worth noting that Porter Jr. threw his own life away as well. This was a young man with an exciting NBA future ahead of him. Now, he’s likely done in the league. Even if he isn’t, it’s a safe bet that he’s done with the Houston Rockets.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Houston Rockets & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Was this writing always on the wall? We wouldn’t go that far. Porter Jr. has always had disciplinary concerns, but this was another level of bad behavior. What an unfortunate situation for everyone involved. Could the Hawks acquire this guy?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
If any team is willing to acquire Porter Jr. this year, they’re not going to be acquiring Porter Jr. They’re going to be acquiring his contract. The Hawks would be cutting Porter Jr. as soon as they were legally allowed. They’re mostly doing this deal for the cap relief.
With that said, the second-round picks don’t hurt either. No, these aren’t premium assets – Bogdanovic isn’t a premium player. In fact, on such a long-term deal, he may not have positive trade value. The Hawks are getting a little extra in return here for being willing to take the PR hit with acquiring Porter Jr.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Houston Rockets & Atlanta Hawks Updates
This is worth keeping an eye on. The Hawks may prefer to hang onto Bogdanovic. With that said, this team has been known to be in pursuit of cap relief. This deal offers plenty. Should the Rockets take on Bogdanovic’s long-term money?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
For a few years, the Rockets have had a long-term outlook. They’ve been tanking to accumulate lottery picks. This year, they’re narrowing their outlook. Now, the Rockets want to win some games.
With that in mind, losing Porter Jr. is a blow. Forget his personal character – he was supposed to play a role on this team. Porter Jr. was the best shooter on the Rockets. Now, they’re going into the 2023-24 season with plenty of defense, playmaking, and shot creation – and very little floor spacing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Houston Rockets & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Bogdanovic would help. He’s a similar player to Porter Jr. – he can create his own shot when need be, and he otherwise is an outstanding floor spacer. If the Hawks are willing to take on Porter Jr., the Rockets should be happy to add Bogdanovic – even if he’s a little overpaid.
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