Trade Proposal Sends Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic To Cavaliers

One NBA analyst proposed that the Cleveland Cavaliers acquire Bogdan Bogdanovic from the Atlanta Hawks. 

Caleb Crowley of Kings James Gospel proposed the following mock trade between the Cavaliers and Hawks:

Cavaliers receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Cody Zeller

Hawks receive: Caris LeVert, Ty Jerome

“In this move, the Hawks exchange two multi-year deals for two expiring contracts,” Crowley wrote in his NBA trade proposal. “Both Bogdanovic and Zeller have three seasons left under contract, giving the Cavaliers more control over their future financial situation. There are few routes the Cavs can take to avoid luxury tax penalties next summer, making it increasingly difficult to spend money and add more talent. Finding those long-term salaries this summer would give them more power and maneuverability going forward.

“In terms of talent, the Cavaliers exit this trade winners. The Hawks meet their needs financially, but the Cavs fill two desperate needs on their roster. Bogdanovic shot over 37 percent from deep on high volume and finished fifth in Sixth Man of the Year voting. The veteran wing most recently played for his home country Serbia in the 2024 Paris Olympics, averaging 18.3 points on 46.2 percent from deep. He would become Cleveland’s best shooter. While his defense is far from stellar, he could raise the Cavaliers to a new level on offense.”

Bogdanovic averaged 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.3 blocks for the Hawks in 2023-24 while shooting 42.8% from the floor, 37.4% from beyond the arc and 92.1% from the free-throw line.

The veteran forward, who helped Serbia win the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, will make $17.3 million next season. 

Bogdanovic, 32, has career averages of 14.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Sacramento Kings and Hawks. 

LeVert averaged 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks for the Cavaliers last season in 68 games while shooting 42.1% from the field, 32.5% from 3 and 76.6% from the foul line. He’ll make $16.6 million next season in the final year of his deal. 

LeVert, who turns 30 on August 25, has career averages of 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Cavaliers.