With the NBA trade deadline less than a month away, the Kings have a couple pieces they might try and move.
The first one is obvious. Dewayne Dedmon has publicly voiced his displeasure for his limited to non-existent role this season, and asked for a trade. It was important to the big man to get the word out, because he was ultimately fined for it.
The other piece hits a little too close to home and it will be a tough decision that Vlade and the rest of the front office will have to make.
Yes, I am talking about Bogdan Bogdanovic. The third year guard out of Serbia who provides a vital spark off of Walton’s bench.
[table “19” not found /]Bogdanovic has been having a solid year and definitely would be a boost to other teams’ lineups, but there are issues in trading away a fan favorite.
Even in this dismal campaign, the Kings only sit two games out of a playoff spot. Bogi is a great fit for this team and he is an integral piece if Sacramento wants to continue their playoff run.
Since the Kings are in this predicament, they would have to trade Bogdanovic for equal value or give up on the season and acquire the proverbial draft picks and/or young talent in a package deal.
But the main problem is that Bogi is a restricted free agent following this season, and the numbers he is putting up off the bench show that he will require a hefty ransom.
Will Sacramento match any offer given to him? Or do they have a line that they are unable to cross financially.
The front office likely has it in mind that if they want to keep Fox and Bagley, they will have to hand out expensive extensions in the next couple years.
It doesn’t help the cause that the team already has two large contracts for Hield and Barnes. Perhaps trading away some unwanted contracts could help the cause to keep Bogi in Sac Town.
But it’s hard to say Bogi even wants to stay in Sacramento. The Kings haven’t exactly been a great team in his three years in the League, and Buddy seems to be the assumed starting two guard for years to come.
If the Kings thinks Bogi isn’t going to be in Sacramento under any circumstances, then it only makes sense that they make a trade and get some value for him. If they hold onto him merely to appease fans by not instantly depriving them of a “fan favorite” then it will only prove superfluous, damaging Sacramento’s further development.
If they do indeed want to retain his talent, the Kings will either have to shed some contracts or be hopeful he comes at a discount.
