This proposed trade sends Bojan Bogdanovic to the Dallas Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks have had a good free agency period, retaining Kyrie Irving and adding key role players such as Grant Williams and Seth Curry. However, the team could use another move, and perhaps this player could be the right target.
Our trade scenario features Bojan Bogdanovic heading to the Mavericks. Bogdanovic would go to Dallas in exchange for a package that features Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green heading to the Detroit Pistons.
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Bojan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons Receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green, 2025 Second-Round Pick (TOR), 2028 Second-Round Pick (MIA)
Bojan Bogdanovic is an experienced veteran, and he could definitely help the Dallas Mavericks in their pursuit of a championship. This trade could be the difference-maker for the team, and here is why both teams should consider making this deal.
The Dallas Mavericks Add A Quality SF And No. 3 Option Behind Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving
As of right now, the Dallas Mavericks have an elite duo featuring Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Though the two are elite offensively, most people would agree that the Mavericks don’t have enough to compete with powerhouses such as the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns. However, adding Bojan Bogdanovic to the team could change the Dallas Mavericks’ situation, and make them legitimate championship contenders in a stacked Western Conference.
This past season with the Dallas Mavericks, Bojan Bogdanovic averaged 21.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists during his time with the Detroit Pistons. The forward also shot a blistering 41.1% from 3PT range. In theory, Bogdanovic should be a perfect No. 3 option behind two ball-dominant stars. He is elite off the ball, but can also create his own shot when it is necessary. The key is that Bogdanovic is highly efficient with his touches: averaging almost 22 points per game while only having 14.9 field goal attempts is highly impressive. On the Dallas Mavericks, Bogdanovic would also get some high-quality looks because of the gravity of Doncic and Irving offensively, and he could be in line for another elite scoring year.
With that being said, acquiring Bojan Bogdanovic is not without its downsides. Though the forward has good size on the defensive end of the floor, there are definitely times when he struggles on the perimeter. However, there is an argument to be made that a team with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at the helm will never be good defensively: perhaps the team should lean into being an offensive team that outscores the opponent instead.
This move would help the Dallas Mavericks increase their overall talent level while adding some more 3PT shooting and size to the roster. The team doesn’t necessarily have an elite SF player right now, and there’s no doubt that Bojan Bogdanovic would be a fantastic positional fit for the team.
The Detroit Pistons Get A Solid Package For An Aging Veteran
From the Detroit Pistons’ perspective, now is the best time to trade Bojan Bogdanovic. He just had a career season on the team, and his value may be at its highest. Bogdanovic is also 34 years old right now and could start declining soon. The Pistons could get a solid return for him if they move him right now, and the Dallas Mavericks trade package has some enticing pieces for the team.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is a player that could fill the veteran leadership void on the Detroit Pistons that would be there after the team hypothetically moved Bogdanovic. Hardaway Jr. has been on multiple playoff teams in the past the Atlanta Hawks and the Dallas Mavericks. It is clear that Hardaway Jr. knows what winning basketball looks like. He could teach players such as Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Jaden Ivey how to win. On the court, Tim Hardaway Jr. profiles as a solid sixth-man type of player, and he could still play big minutes off the bench for the Detroit Pistons to maintain his value for future trades. During the 2022-23 season, Tim Hardaway Jr. put up averages of 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, while shooting 38.5% from 3PT range.
Josh Green would be the key young player that the Detroit Pistons would land in this trade package. The shooting guard had a solid year in a 3-and-D role, averaging 9.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over the course of last season. He also shot a solid 40.2% from beyond the arc, and it seems as though Green could be a great complementary player on the Detroit Pistons for a long time.
The two second-round picks would be included as a sweetener for this package. However, they could still be of good use to the Detroit Pistons in the future. They can be included in future trades or used to draft prospects, and we have seen teams get steals in the second round in the past.
Overall, for the Detroit Pistons, this trade is about getting value for an aging veteran that doesn’t fit the timeline of their young team. Getting a younger role player like Josh Green in a Bojan Bogdanovic is what the team should aim for, and this deal obviously helps them in the long run.
The Dallas Mavericks Would Be One Step Closer To A Championship If They Added Bojan Bogdanovic
There is no doubt that Bojan Bogdanovic’s 3PT shooting and scoring could help bring the Dallas Mavericks to the next level. Though they have a good squad right now, adding another elite piece can help them win a championship, which is ultimately the goal while Luka Doncic is on the roster.
The Detroit Pistons would take a step back in this scenario, but perhaps trading away Bogdanovic in a value play could help them focus on the development of younger players.
Overall, this is a solid deal for both parties. We will see whether a trade with a similar framework will happen for the Dallas Mavericks in the future, and it is certainly a realistic option.