When reports surfaced earlier in January suggesting that the Lakers and Kings had discussed a possible deal involving Kyle Kuzma and Bogdan Bogdanovic, there were conflicting accounts on which team instigated the talks and what was offered.
In his latest article for The Ringer, Kevin O’Connor provides some clarity on those discussions, citing sources who say the Kings offered Nemanja Bjelica and a draft pick in exchange for Kuzma. The Lakers countered by asking for Bogdanovic and Sacramento balked, according to O’Connor.
Bogdanovic is one of a handful of players that O’Connor would target in trade talks over the next week, as he explains in today’s article. That piece also features a few more noteworthy tidbits from O’Connor’s sources, so let’s round up some highlights…
- The Timberwolves called the Magic about Aaron Gordon earlier in the season, league sources tell O’Connor. If Minnesota made an offer for Gordon, it’s unclear what exactly that offer consisted of, per O’Connor. However, he notes that the Wolves are shopping Robert Covington.
- League sources don’t expect any major deals from the Pacers at this year’s deadline, according to O’Connor. However, the club could consider a significant move in the offseason if it’s eliminated in the first round this spring. O’Connor points to Myles Turner as a potential trade candidate down the road, though he acknowledges that Indiana would likely be more inclined to consider moving Turner if rookie Goga Bitadze was closer to being a reliable contributor.
- NBA teams have begun to monitor Vasilije Micic‘s situation in Europe, since the Anadolu Efes guard has become one of the world’s best non-NBA players, sources tell O’Connor. Currently, the Sixers hold Micic’s rights. The 26-year-old, who was the No. 52 pick in the 2014 draft, is averaging 14.2 PPG and 5.8 APG in EuroLeague play this season.
Does anyone know if Micic can shoot? If so why haven’t the Sixers brought him over? They should make a small deal to free up a roster spot for this guy. 14 points in Euro league is pretty good.
He shot 37 percent on 4.8, 3’s per game in 18-19 and is shooting 40 percent on 5.7 this season.
A lot of times players get drafted by teams they don’t want to play for and just say I’m making a lot of money here why do I want to be a bench player. He recently said in a interview he eventually wants to go to the nba but only if the role they want him to play is right.
The rockets are in that situation with Sergio llull, the rockets want him and they keep his rights but he doesn’t want to play for them. He makes a lot of money in Spain and is from there so it’s the situation.
Wiggins and Okogie for Gordon and either Ross or Augustin. Orlando also would get a pick swap in 2020.
Salaries don’t match, even if you packaged Ross AND Augustin, it still wouldn’t match just Wiggins
my bad, didn’t read the comment correctly… comment redacted
Wolves have the pieces to get a high quality trade done if they choose to.
Wolves: Russell, Birch
Magic: Wiggins, Chriss
Warriors: Gordon, Okogie
Picks where they apply.
Worthwhile phone call anyway.
I like this idea if for anything else it gets Wiggins off of the roster and keeps Covington, just so someone can play defense.
Bjelica > Bogdan so idk why they would have countered. Bjelica shoots 43% from 3, isn’t that exactly what the Lakers need in a front court guy? They have several 2 guards already on the roster and there’s going to be a few available in the buyout market, there isn’t going to be a 43% 3pt shooting forward available.
I believe the Lakers are more interested in someone who can create shots for themselves, I believe thats why they prefer bogdon.
Bjelica is 31 and not someone who can create his own shot…It would be a pretty good deal if there was a way to get him without Kuzma…
Aaron Gordon for Tyler Johnson and Cam Johnson.
Magic get a nice size expiring contract and a former first round pick who is a really good shooter at the 3 position.
Suns get Gordon who when to college at Arizona, so he knows the area. They build a stronger team for next year with Rubio Booker Oubre Gordon and Ayton.
If the Lakers come up short and Kuzma doesn’t raise his game, critics will be shooting their own daggers when this offer is mentioned, turning down the opportunity to get Bjelica. More than a rumor IMO. Heard it here or from O’Connor.
I believe the Lakers are more interested in someone who can create shots for themselves, I believe thats why they prefer bogdon.