The trade deadline is just three days away. Expected to be an eventful one, all teams should be in play to make a move in some capacity given the wide roster of teams looking to buy and sell this season. The Philadelphia 76ers can assume both positions, and have definitely been at the core of some of the hottest rumor mills around the league.
One name previously linked to the 76ers is Hawks wing Bogdan Bogdanovic, who has been pretty high on most playoff teams’ radar. The Serbian is turning in a strong, 6MOY-worth season for Atlanta, which has conversely struggled this season with a measly 22-27 win-loss card.
However, things have apparently taken a sharp turn.
NBA Rumors: 76ers trade target Bogdan Bogdanovic not expected to be moved before the deadline
Bogdanovic has been a desired piece by a lot of teams, but he has actually gone relatively under-the-radar in hawks circles considering the strong emphasis on Dejounte Murray’s situation. The Hawks have made him available for taking, though they haven’t been able to spot a worthy enough return package to move him as of writing.
With all the attention on Murray, Atlanta is reportedly expected to keep Bogdanovic beyond the trade deadline and ultimately sequester him from the market.
The 31-year-old veteran is still signed through 2027, giving the Hawks more than sufficient leeway to keep him while still retaining his value. By keeping him, they are likely biding time until they find a desirable offer to make them budge.
One of the favorites to win Sixth Man of the Year this season, Bogdanovic would have been an ideal backcourt addition to a 76ers team in need of more ammunition offensively in the aftermath of Joel Embiid’s injury. He’s second in the league in scoring among regular bench players, and has especially flourished as a volume three-point shooter and secondary playmaker under Quin Snyder.
For now, Philadelphia will have to look elsewhere should the front office double down on bolstering backcourt. Alternatively, they could address a different area of need, such as the frontcourt, to abate the loss of Embiid for the time being.