NBA trade deadline target No. 3: Nemanja Bjelica
Playing time has been scarce for Nemanja Bjelica this season, averaging a career-low 17.1 minutes per game and receiving 15 “did not play – coach’s decision” through the first 30 games of the season.
The inconsistency has made it difficult for the 32-year-old forward to find his rhythm. After shooting over 40 percent from deep the past three years, and 39.3 percent through his first five NBA seasons, Bjelica is shooting a career-low 26.3 percent on 3-pointers this season.
Bjelica can help stretch the floor and provide a spark off the bench. He’s not a very good defender, but he’s a solid rebounder with a career average of 7.9 rebounds per 36 minutes, and he’s a solid passer as well.
Even in an up-and-down season for the former second-round pick, there seems to be quite a few teams in the mix for Bjelica’s services. The Boston Celtics are rumored to be in the market for a stretch big. The Athletic’s Sam Amick recently reported the Philadelphia 76ers have interest in acquiring the 6’10” forward from Sacramento, and Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee also reported he is a target for the Miami Heat as well.
If the Sacramento Kings are indeed sellers at the deadline, expect Bjelica to be one of, if not the first player they ship out.