The NBA world wasn’t shocked when it was announced that the Utah Jazz had found a trade partner for a deal centered around Bojan Bogdanovic. Instead, they were shocked at the team he was landing with.
Bogdanovic ended up getting sent to the Motor City as the Detroit Pistons acquired him in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee. The rebuilding Pistons are looking to become more competitive this offseason and Bogdanovic will certainly help them do that.
Last season, Detroit struggled mightily shooting 3-pointers. They ranked 29th in 3-point percentage and 26th in makes despite finishing 16th in attempts.
In his career, Bogdanovic has knocked down 39.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. In three seasons with the Jazz, he made 39.7 percent of his attempts on high volume, connecting on 2.7 out of 6.8 attempts per game.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz & Detroit Pistons Updates
While Bogdanovic will certainly help the team on the court, there were some monetary reasons for Bogdanovic ending up in Detroit as well. Marc Stein explained on his Substack that Bogdanovic is seeking a contract extension, which caused some teams to pull out of negotiations.
“Crowder does not appear to be alone in wanting an extension. New Pistons sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanović, 33, is said to be seeking a new multiyear contract, which league sources say dissuaded some interested teams from pushing harder to try to acquire him from the Jazz as Bogdanović plays out this season on an expiring $19.3 million deal.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz & Detroit Pistons Updates
Many people questioned why Utah was unable to land a draft pick in exchange for Bogdanovic, and his desire for an extension is likely part of the reason. After the trade was completed between the Jazz and Pistons, it was reported that the only offers that came with a first-round pick included long-term salary that Utah was unwilling to take on.
Looking to climb out of the doldrums of the Eastern Conference, the Pistons might be willing to sign Bogdanovic to a short-term extension. Detroit has a ton of cap space already for next offseason and they could clear even more if they decline the team options on Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel and Kevin Knox.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz & Detroit Pistons Updates
Set to earn $19.55 million this season, Bogdanovic is likely seeking a similar number on an extension. With the salary cap continuing to climb, the Pistons shouldn’t hesitate to sign him to a new deal, especially if he helps them win some basketball games this season.
