Atlanta Hawks wing Bogdan Bogdanovic has been named a player the Cavs should trade for by Ismail Sy of the King James Gospel. Bogdanovic recently finished an impressive Olympic run with the Serbian National Team which resulted in a bronze medal. During the Paris games, Bogdanovic averaged 18.3 points per game.
Cavs Urged to Acquire Serbian Olympic Star
Since leaving the Turkish Pro League in 2017 to play in the NBA, Bogdanovic has been an elite shooter. In his seven NBA seasons, the 32-year-old has shot 38.4% from three on 6.5 attempts per game. Additionally, Bogdanovic has averaged 14.7 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. The Serbian has also received votes for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2024 and 2022. There is no doubt that Bogdanovic is an immense shooter and would be an ideal fit in Cleveland.
Bogdanovic’s Fit In Cleveland
Among the Cavs’ struggles the past few seasons, shooting has been near the top of the list. Previously, in Cleveland’s playoff run last year the team shot 31.5% from the three. The Cavs’ lack of shooting led to their demise in the playoffs. Donovan Mitchell was unable to shoulder the load as the team was knocked out in five games by the Boston Celtics. While shooting is an issue, bench scoring may be an even bigger issue for Cleveland. The Cavs have only one true scorer off their bench, Caris LeVert, whose inconsistency hurts the team. Outside of LeVert, the Cavs scoring depth is minimal.
Adding a true scoring threat and three-point shooter like Bogdanovic will vastly add to the Cavs’ success next season. Whether or not Bogdanovic would start in Cleveland is a question. The Cavs signed guard Max Strus to a four-year deal just last summer and he has been the starter. However, by all accounts, Bogdanovic is a better player statistically. Bogdanovic leads Strus in both points and three-point percentage. There is no doubt that acquiring Bogdanovic would be a solid move for the Cavs.
Trade Package
Bogdanovic is not a free agent and is under contract with the Atlanta Hawks until 2026, where he has a team option. The Serbian is due 17.2 million dollars this season. His contract is on par with Caris LeVert of the Cavs who is due 16.6 million dollars this year. It would take quite a haul for the Hawks to budge off of Bogdanovic. Offering someone like LeVert alongside draft picks could be enough to pry away the Hawks starter. However, in all likelihood, the Cavs will have to part with multiple players. That could be Georges Niang, who is due 8.5 million this year, Dean Wade, who will make 6.1 million, or even Ty Jerome, who earns 2.5 million. Despite the Cavs having to give up a sizable package for Bogdanovic, it would be an impactful trade. Adding a top-tier shooter to the Cavs offense under first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson could be a recipe for success.
While a deal is unlikely it is an intriguing option for a Cleveland front office who has made very few moves this offseason.
