The Detroit Pistons surprised a lot of people when they were the winners of the Bojan Bogdanovic sweepstakes during the NBA offseason. Detroit acquired the high-scoring veteran forward from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee.
Bogdanovic was drawing a ton of interest from contending teams around the league as the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers were pursuing him heavily.
Many people were surprised that the Pistons were able to acquire him without including a first-round pick, but they took advantage of the Jazz not wanting to take back any long-term money, which was being included along with first-round picks.
As a result, Bogdanovic ended up in the Motor City as the Pistons were hoping to make a run toward at least an NBA Play-In Tournament spot. Thus far, Bogdanovic has been everything the Pistons could have asked for.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates
Desperate for some floor spacers, Bogdanovic is knocking down 39.5 percent of his 3-point attempts and is leading the team with 20.6 points per game. Seven players are averaging double-figures on the team, but Detroit has not found much success in winning games.
The Pistons are currently 5-16, which is the worst record in the Eastern Conference and tied with the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets for the fewest wins in the conference. As a result, Bogdanovic is someone whose name is heating up in the rumor mill, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
“When the Pistons extended Bojan Bogdanovic through the 2024-25 season, Detroit did so to give itself added optionality on a team-friendly deal with some financial security for the Bosnian forward.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates
With the team stuck in last place in the East, rival executives on playoff-caliber teams are monitoring Bogdanovic’s trade availability.”
Shortly after being traded, Bogdanovic agreed to a two-year extension worth $39.1 million. However, the second year of the extension is only partially guaranteed, so any team inquiring about trading for him is not only getting him on a team-friendly contract but can get out of the deal after the 2023-24 season if they choose to.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates
The Lakers have been one of the teams reportedly pursuing Bogdanovic still even after being traded to the Pistons. His market would certainly involve more teams beyond that as everyone who checked in on him ahead of the season would likely be interested again, especially with how well he has played thus far this season in Detroit.
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