Milwaukee Bucks Rumors: Emerging as a suitor for Bogdan Bogdanovic?
According to a report from The Athletic, the Milwaukee Bucks are expected to chase Sacramento Kings restricted free agent Bogdan Bogdanovic this offseason.
As if the intrigue surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks’ offseason wasn’t already rising to a fever pitch, we have our first concrete rumor of their offseason so far.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania ($$), the Bucks are expected to be a strong suitor for Sacramento Kings restricted free agent Bogdan Bogdanovic this offseason. Charania also notes that are looking to add more playmaking and shooting around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Star forward Khris Middleton.
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Talk about quite the splash to really kick off this critical offseason for the Bucks.
If the Bucks are looking to beef up their playmaking and shooting, Bogdanovic clearly provides that and then some as he’s asserted himself as a versatile offensive creator since arriving to the NBA three years ago after first establishing himself overseas.
Furthermore, Bogdanovic is coming off his best statistical season with the Kings where he averaged 15.1 points on a .440/.372/.741 slash line, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and a steal per game over his 61 appearances on the season.
The mix of shooting, playmaking and shot creation that the 28-year-old brings to the table perfectly aligns with what the Bucks were missing, especially as their offense bogged down during their disappointing playoff run this year.
But in order to realistically chase Bogdanovic, there are some significant hurdles for the Milwaukee Bucks to clear in order to viably acquire him this fall.
The biggest of those hurdles is the fact that the Kings will be able to match any offer sheet that will come Bogdanovic’s way, given his restricted free agent status this offseason. That is dependent on the Kings tendering Bogdanovic his $10.6 million qualifying offer, which should be assumed they will do.
From there, Bogdanovic’s future in Sacramento will be dependent on the decisions of new Kings general manager Monte McNair and how much he will value bringing back the Serbian international amid other significant issues facing the Kings.
The Athletic’s Jason Jones ($$) reported late last month that it remains unclear if Bogdanovic wishes to be in Sacramento and has been frustrated by the lack of success he and the Kings have experienced over his tenure. That goes on top of the brewing saga that revolves around Kings sharpshooter Buddy Hield, whose displeasure with his current situation has been well-documented.
As one of the most desirable restricted free agents on the market this offseason, Bogdanovic may be more gettable than first thought. As of now, though, the Kings hold the cards in this situation.
Besides, expecting a big offer sheet from the Bucks is tough to maneuver, given their own cap situation. That makes any avenue to acquire Bogdanovic limited to a sign-and-trade deal and even then, that’s a path that has significant obstacles.
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We will soon examine those many obstacles, but the Bucks’ interest in Bogdanovic has now entered the conversation. Whether those talks will become something of substance remains to be seen and is certainly fraught with many challenges.