With just a handful of days before left to close a deal, rumors around the trade deadline are beginning to swirl. In the middle of it all is the Golden State Warriors.
After reports have linked the Warriors to several different players, including Aaron Gordon and Victor Oladipo, another player has appeared on the radar before the deadline.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Warriors have shown interest in Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Via The Athletic on Twitter:
New Inside Pass – trade deadline edition – from NBA Insider @ShamsCharania:
◻️ Heat & 76ers lead pursuit of Kyle Lowry
◻️ Magic & Rockets discuss Aaron Gordon for two first-round picks
◻️ Hawks interested in Marcus Smart
◻️ Much more from Shams ⤵️ https://t.co/sM67sIMo1R— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 22, 2021
During the 2020 offseason, Bogdanovic signed a four-year, $72 million offer sheet with Atlanta after spending his first three seasons in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings.
After suffering a knee injury, Bogdanovic has been limited to only 17 games in his first season with the Hawks. In eight games since returning to the Hawks’ rotation, the Croatian is averaging nine points on 38.9% shooting from the field with 2.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Bogdanovic is a proven scorer that could add another dimension to Golden State’s second unit on the wing behind Steph Curry and Kelly Oubre Jr. Before joining the Hawks, Bogdanovic averaged double-figures in scoring in three seasons with the Kings.
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To acquire Bogdanovic, the Warriors would not only have to give up draft capital or a young player, but Steve Kerr and Bob Myers would have to get creative when it comes to the salary cap. Bogdanovic is owed $18 million annually on his recently signed contract.
Although the cost could be high, Bogdanovic could provide the spark Golden State needs to compete for the playoffs in 2021, while giving the team a player that can contribute once Klay Thompson returns alongside Curry in the future.
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