In what was a surprise move, the Pistons acquired veteran wingman Bojan Bogdanović from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kelly Olynyk, Saben Lee, and cash considerations.
The move was surprising considering the stretch-four was widely considered to be a target for a contender, which despite the strides Detroit is making with what will soon be a dynamic young core, they’re hardly considered at this point “contenders”.
So why the Pistons then?
According to NBA writer Marc Stein, future contract considerations for Bogdanović likely played a role in Detroit winning the race for the 33-year-old forward.
“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. It remains to be seen whether the Pistons intend to keep Bogdanović for the entire season—or perhaps move him before the trade deadline in February in the belief that a contender will feel more urgency to make a stronger offer than those Utah received in recent weeks. Word is that the Pistons want to see first if they have enough on the roster to mount an unexpected run at a play-in slot… even in a deeper-than-usual Eastern Conference that doesn’t exactly encourage such optimism.”
Perhaps the most interesting part about all of this is the Pistons looking to make a push for that play-in game out of a stacked East. However, it may be all reward for the Pistons who can capitalize on any situation when it comes to Bogdanović. If everything works out and Detroit is in contention for a playoff spot they’re certain to have the money to retain him. On the other hand, if Bogdanović has a good individual season but the Pistons are out of playoff contention then you flip him for a return at the deadline.
Either way, it works out.
