We already know that the Dallas Mavericks are doing everything possible to build a better supporting cast behind stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Thus far this summer, that has included adding guard Seth Curry and wing Grant Williams to the mix.
General manager Nico Harrison and Co. are not done there. Veterans Tim Hardaway Jr. and JaVale McGee are said to be on the block as NBA trade rumors in Dallas heat up.
We now have this piece of information courtesy of Tim MacMahon of ESPN indicating that Dallas is considering engaging the Detroit Pistons once again on veteran forward Bojan Bogdanovic.
Dallas had previously talked to Detroit about Bogdanovic, but nothing came to fruition. By engaging the Pistons again, the Mavs seem to think that they can work something out for the former first-round pick from Bosnia.
If that does indeed happen, it would round out the Mavericks’ roster to a great degree. A first-round pick back in 2011, Bogdanovic has morphed into a consistent scorer and perimeter shooter.
- Bojan Bogdanovic stats (2022-23): 21.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 49% shooting, 41% 3-point
It stands to reason that Bogdanovic would play the four with Dallas having already acquired Grant Williams in a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics earlier in the summer.
Related: NBA trade tracker with grades
How the Dallas Mavericks can pull off a Bojan Bogdanovic trade
Bogdanovic inked a two-year, $39.03 million contract extension with Detroit back in October of 2022. That’s the first thing we must note when looking at a potential trade. Salaries would pretty much have to match.
This is also where Hardaway’s $17.8 million salary for next season would come into play. He’d be the salary filler in such a trade.
From there, Detroit would demand either Josh Green or fellow young guard Jaden Hardy in a trade. We also assume draft pick compensation would be heading back to Detroit in a hypothetical deal.
- Detroit Pistons get: Tim Hardaway Jr., Jaden Hardy, 2 2nd-round picks
- Dallas Mavericks get: Bojan Bogdanovic
This deal gives Detroit yet another youngster to build around under first-year head coach Monty Williams. It also provides the young team a veteran scorer in Hardaway Jr. as well as two future second-round selections.
From Dallas’ perspective, its starting five would come together pretty well with Irving, Doncic, Williams, Bogdanovic and Maxi Kleber/Dereck Lively/Richaun Holmes.