5 Undervalued trade targets Blazers could steal at a discount
By Reese Kunz
Discount trade target No. 4: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons
Bogdanovic is 34 years old and doesn’t fit the Pistons’ roster timeline. They’re rebuilding around star prospects Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, as well as their fifth overall pick in this year’s draft.
Bogdanovic was heavily involved in trade rumors this past season, as teams anticipate the Pistons will make a move eventually.
Now could be a perfect time for Portland to strike. Detroit isn’t in win-now mode and realizes that Bojan’s stock will only continue to go down the older he gets.
Potential Blazers trade package for Bogdanovic
ESPN’s trade machine projection: Blazers +4 wins
The Blazers’ picks in 2025 won’t be as valuable if they’re going all-in with Lillard, which is the only reason they’d trade for Bogdanovic in the first place. Making it 2025 instead of next season also gives them the flexibility to deal their first-round picks in this year’s draft, as teams can’t trade first-round picks in back-to-back years.
Nurkic is a salary filler for the Pistons more than a need, as they already have Jalen Duren. Keon Johnson is a sweetener to get the deal done; he could be impactful in the future and fits Detroit’s timeline.
How Bogdanovic would fit with Blazers
Most shooters fit seamlessly into any team, and Bogdanovic is no exception. He’s a natural fit in most systems and brings a lot to the table as a spot-up shooter and a scorer who can create his own shot.
Last season, Bogdanovic averaged 21.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on efficient 49/41/88 shooting splits.
Bojan could be a better defender, and the Blazers ideally need more of a 3-and-D player at the wing position to complement Lillard. Even though Bogdanovic is more offensive-minded, he could make a lot of sense if he’s available at a discount.
He’s 6-7, a reliable veteran, and a 20-point-per-game scorer; that is hard to find in the league for relatively cheap.
The Blazers have been searching for a small forward, trying to fill the need in the aggregate with trades for Cam Reddish and Thybulle. In addition, Reddish and Thybulle are restricted free agents.
Bogdanovic could be the solution the Blazers have been looking for to give Lillard a better chance of winning without sacrificing a significant amount of their future.