BREAK: Knicks and Pistons in Acquisition of another coach

Over the last two NBA seasons, the Detroit Pistons had one of the most intriguing role players sought after by competitive teams looking for a seasoned veteran.

Bojan Bogdanovic joined the Pistons before the 2022 NBA season in a trade involving Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee from the Utah Jazz. Shortly after arriving in Detroit, the veteran forward signed a notable two-year extension with the team.

Bogdanovic’s extension was nearly $40 million for two years. Despite the Pistons’ desire to keep him, the team’s lack of competitiveness made him an attractive target for playoff-bound teams.

In his first year with the Pistons, Bogdanovic averaged 22 points on 49 percent shooting. Last season, he played 28 games, averaging 20 points and making 47 percent of his shots.

During a franchise-worst season for the Pistons, the 35-year-old Bogdanovic was almost certain to be traded. The New York Knicks acquired him for the final 29 games of the regular season.

With the Knicks, Bogdanovic averaged 19 minutes per game, contributing ten points off the bench and hitting 37 percent of his three-pointers. He started the playoffs well, making 40 percent of his threes, but an injury limited him to just four appearances.

Now, there are questions about Bogdanovic’s future in New York. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, it is expected that the Knicks will guarantee Bogdanovic’s salary for the 2024-2025 season, which would net him roughly $19 million.

However, even if the Knicks retain Bogdanovic after acquiring him at last year’s deadline, he could be a trade asset again. Veteran players in the final year of their contracts are often included in significant trades. If the Knicks need a major upgrade, Bogdanovic might be part of a trade package.

For now, the Knicks are likely to keep Bogdanovic. With a solid role in Detroit, he showed he could be a highly productive player and could be a key part of New York’s bench for the 2024-2025 season.