Pistons Finalizing Trade For Jazz’s Bojan Bogdanovic

The Pistons are finalizing a trade for Jazz guard/forward Bojan Bogdanovic, according to Shams Charania and James Edwards III of The Athletic.

Bogdanovic had previously been linked to the Suns and Lakers, among others, but is heading instead to rebuilding Detroit.

In exchange for Bogdanovic, the Jazz will receive forward Kelly Olynyk and guard Saben Lee.

Bogdanovic, 33, averaged 18.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 69 games last season. He is entering the final year of a $19.6 million contract — perhaps setting him up to be dealt again prior to the trade deadline.

For the Pistons, Bogdanovic will offer some immediate veteran know-how, playoff experience and outside shooting.

Per Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune, the trade comes as no surprise to Bogdanovic, who was expected to moved. He joins fellow veterans Royce O’Neale (Nets), Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves) and Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers) as former starters  to be sent off by the retooling Jazz.

Per multiple reports, Jordan Clarkson, Rudy Gay and/or Mike Conley could be next.

Meanwhile, the deal allows the Jazz to fall $7 million below the tax threshold and could potentially result in a $7.6 million tax threshold, per Yasi Gozlan of HoopsHype.

Olynyk, 31, averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 40 games last season — performing well when healthy. He signed a three-year, $37 million contract as a free agent in 2021.

Lee, 23, was drafted by the Pistons with the No. 38 overall pick in 2020, GM Troy Weaver‘s first draft in Detroit.