The New York Knicks defied expectations in 2022-23. This team was no lock to make the NBA playoffs. Surely, the Knicks weren’t positioned to win a playoff series. Yet, that’s exactly what they did. The Knicks would go on to eliminate the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the postseason.
The Detroit Pistons didn’t surpass expectations. They may have met them, but that’s only because those expectations were low. The Pistons had the worst record in the NBA. Could their season have gone differently if Cade Cunningham hadn’t gotten hurt early?
It could have. The Pistons seemingly acquired the floor spacing Bojan Bogdanovic specifically to compliment Cunningham. With that said, the Pistons have a lot of young talent, and they added more this summer. They may not have enough touches to go around for Bogdanovic. Could they send him to the Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic
Yet, the Pistons may not have minded so much losing. Sure, they may have had designs to take a step forward. Cunningham’s injury altered their plans. At least they’d be compensated with a top overall pick, right?
After all, this was the year to tank. Victor Wembanyama was the ultimate prize. The Pistons had the best odds of landing him. Instead, they suffered the worst possible outcome. The Pistons landed the fifth pick. It was the worst pick they were eligible to receive.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & New York Knicks Updates
Will it be a cautionary tale for tanking teams down the road? We doubt it. The Pistons still drafted Ausar Thompson. More broadly, they still have a surplus of young talent. Should they move one of their veterans?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Rebuilding is a process. It can be a long one. Some felt that when the Pistons acquired Bogdanovic, they were skipping steps. Others would suggest that complementary veterans should surround their young players.
Sure. Joe Harris is a complimentary veteran. The Pistons brought him in as a floor spacer this summer. Bogdanovic is more than that. He’s an offensively gifted player who demands touches. Unfortunately for Detroit( that means taking touches away from their young core.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & New York Knicks Updates
So, we’ve got them moving Bogdanovic. In return, they’re landing an unprotected first and an expiring deal. That’s likely market value for Bogdanovic and a suitable return for a rebuilding club. Should the Knicks give it up for Bogdanovic?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
By contrast, the Knicks haven’t rebuilt in a conventional sense in a long time. Instead, this team has been stockpiling draft capital while fielding the most competitive teams they can. Last year, they were more competitive than expected.
So, why not move some of that draft capital? The Knicks could stand to improve their floor spacing. They could also use a tertiary shot creator. Bogdanovic is both. He’s a perfect compliment to Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, but he can also ease their creation burdens.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & New York Knicks Updates
There are more benefits for the Knicks here. Fournier is allegedly unhappy in New York. This deal should improve the team’s locker room chemistry and on-court performance. Who knows? It could help the Knicks defy expectations once again.
