5 bold predictions for the upcoming 2023 NBA Trade Deadline
By Dalton Sell
2023 NBA Trade Deadline Bold Prediction No. 3 – Despite all of the rumblings, Bojan Bogdanovic will remain with the Detroit Pistons
One of the most prized names leading up to the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline is Bojan Bogdanovic. Since he was acquired by the Detroit Pistons this offseason, Bogdanovic has been the subject of trade rumors, as numerous teams have called about his availability. While teams want him, the Pistons are reportedly reluctant to move Bogdanovic.
Per Marc Stein (Subscription required) the Pistons want to keep Bogdanovic around for a playoff push next season. Teams will continue to call Detroit, but at the end of the day, it seems like they will hang onto him.
Detroit’s desire to keep Bogdanovic makes sense, as they acquired him to be a veteran presence in their locker room as they looked to make a playoff push. Unfortunately, the Pistons lost their best young player, Cade Cunningham, for the remainder of the season due to a shin injury. That threw a wrench in their plans to make a run at the playoffs.
With plenty of assets, spending money, and a healthy Cunningham, the Pistons could be in a good position to compete next season. While they could get more assets for Bogdanovic, having a lethal scorer who can average 20 points nightly is also quite desirable, especially for a team looking to take a step forward.
Contending teams looking to acquire Bogdanovic will be quite disappointed, but unless they get a monstrous haul, keeping him would be a reasonable move for the Pistons.