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Bojan Bogdanović Responds to Pistons Trade Rumors: 'It's Not in My Control'

Rob Goldberg

Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanović is trying to focus on his play rather than the constant stream of trade rumors.

"I heard the rumors, but I'm trying to stay away from those conversations," Bogdanović said, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. "I don't even have any social media like Twitter. I don't read much about that. It's not in my control. It's about the franchises. I'm just going to try and stay focused and play as best I can. Then, we'll see what's going to happen at the end of the trade deadline."

Bogdanović is set to become a free agent in the offseason, but he's been told by team ownership that he could be a part of the Pistons going forward.

The 33-year-old has still been the subject of trade rumors ahead of the Feb. 9 deadline, with Jovan Buha of The Athletic reporting links to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Pistons are seeking "an unprotected first-round pick" in exchange for the forward, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Detroit acquired the veteran in an offseason trade with the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kelly Olynyk, Saben Lee and cash considerations.

Bogdanović entered Monday averaging a career-best 21.2 points per game while shooting 41.2 percent from three-point range. Though he's been Detroit's leading scorer, the team has struggled to a 13-38 record, worst in the Eastern Conference.

The Pistons could re-sign Bogdanović in the offseason as they try to build around Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Saddiq Bey, keeping a proven scorer and an experienced leader in the locker room for the otherwise young team.

"We have a lot of cap space to sign great players," he told Scotto. "We're going to have a high pick again, so that's going to help us a lot. We have a great young group of guys."

On the other hand, a trade could help add more assets for the rebuild with the squad still a long way from contention.

It could be a tough decision for the Pistons front office, but Bogdanović knows it's out of his hands.

   

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