Bojan Bogdanovic is arguably the most highly-coveted trade target on the market right now, and it is not surprising that the Milwaukee Bucks are looking into him.
The Action Network’s Matt Moore first reported on Milwaukee’s mid-season interest by stating that the Bucks could emerge as a legitimate suitor for the forward. The Athletic’s Shams Charania (Subscription required) backed that reporting recently by revealing that the Bucks are indeed in the mix for the Detroit Pistons veteran ahead of the deadline. However, per Charania, the Bucks have competition for Bogdanovic, as the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Dallas Mavericks have also expressed interest in the 33-year-old. To get him, Milwaukee must put together a better offer than these other interested suitors, which may not be easy.
The Bucks are facing stiff competition in the Bojan Bogdanovic sweepstakes
The significant interest in Bogdanovic is beyond reasonable. The veteran is currently having the best year of his career by averaging 21.2 points and 2.8 assists per contest. Bogdanovic has also sunk 41.5 percent of his 3-pointers, which is the second most efficient mark in this NBA career. A player like that could be a huge difference-maker for teams looking to add one more piece, which is essentially every team that has been linked to him and more.
Teams have been trying to trade for Bogdanovic from the moment he landed with the Pistons this past offseason. According to The Athletic’s James Edwards III (Subscription required), the Pistons would prefer to keep Bogdanovic, but their asking price in a deal is rumored to be an unprotected first round pick. The team looking to acquire Bogdanovic would also have to hypothetically be able to absorb what remains of the forward’s $19.3 million salary this season. The Cavaliers may have to pull some strings to make that happen because of their shortage of first round picks, but every team on the list could meet that asking price.
The most legitimate suitor for Bogdanovic seems to be the Lakers. Their interest dates back to December, with The Athletic’s Shams Charania (Subscription required) once again reporting on their interest. The Lakers seem like a likely buyer at the upcoming trade deadline due to their desire to make a playoff push and two tradeable first round picks in 2027 and 2029.
There has been plenty of debate lately about those two picks and whether or not the Lakers should move them. To this point, it seems like the front office has been hesitant to do so, but their need for a scoring wing could make them rethink their stance on the matter. Out of all of the teams mentioned, the Lakers may have the most ideal picks from Detroit’s point of view.
Just because the Lakers have some desirable assets does not mean that the Raptors, Mavericks, Cavaliers, Pelicans, or Bucks do not have a chance. It seems like everyone is at a standoff in talks, and if Bogdanovic is dealt, it may happen right at the February 9 trade deadline buzzer. The Bucks will remain in the mix, and the biggest question is whether or not they are willing to trade one of their few remaining assets in six years. Given what Bogdanovic would bring to the table, it is a move they should certainly consider making before another team pounces.
Stay tuned to see if the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately walk away with Bogdanovic at the deadline.