As the February 6 deadline neared, Bogdan Bogdanovic was prepared for the fact that Atlanta would likely be trading him to a new team. However, he didn’t know that team would be the Clippers, as Nikola Miloradovic of Eurohoops relays.
“Seven days before the trade, I knew I was going to change teams,” Bogdanovic told RTS. “I didn’t know where I was going to end up, I even thought I might be in Toronto or New Orleans. … There were about ten teams in the mix, it’s a tricky period when you don’t know where you’ll be.
“But I’m glad I ended up with the Clippers, I’m happy.”
The veteran swingman has his best outing as a Clipper on Wednesday in Chicago, recording 14 points (on 5-of-7 shooting), six assists and a block. Los Angeles outscored Chicago by 13 points in his 25 minutes during the five-point victory, which snapped a three-game losing streak.
Here’s more from the Pacific:
- As Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee writes (subscriber link), Kings forward Keegan Murray was battling a nagging foot injury for the first few months of 2024/25. The injury limited his effectiveness, particularly his outside jump shot. However, he rested a couple of games in early January to let his foot heal and has been far more efficient ever since. Murray, who will be eligible for a rookie scale extension in the offseason, recorded a season-high 26 points (on 9-of-16 shooting) in Wednesday’s victory at Utah. He also chipped in six rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots in 33 minutes.
- The Warriors have been on a roll since they traded for Jimmy Butler, going 6-1 over that span. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, their next challenge will be reintegrating Jonathan Kuminga back in the lineup — the impending restricted free agent has been out since Jan. 4 due to a significant ankle sprain, but he’s inching closer to a return. “The main thing I want for JK is to not press when he comes back,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “It’s not an easy spot to come back into where team’s rolling, contract stuff this summer. He’s going to have a lot on his mind. I want to make things as smooth and easy as possible. I want him to understand that it’s not going to happen right away. He was playing the best basketball of his career before the injury, and it’s not going to happen the first night where he’s going to get back to that level. It will take a little time.”
- Kerr added that he wants Kuminga to study Butler on the offensive end. “He’s the perfect guy for JK to emulate,” the Warriors‘ head coach said. “What makes Jimmy special is that he doesn’t try to be special. He plays fundamental basketball. He never turns it over. He just makes the simple play over and over. I want JK to learn some of that … attacking the rim, nothing there, jump stop, pass the ball. That’s a great basketball play.”
- Veteran forward Jae Crowder says a rift with former head coach Monty Williams was the reason he was away from the Suns during 2022/23 campaign and eventually led to him being traded at the 2023 deadline, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Crowder finished that season in Milwaukee, but only played 18 games.
In July, Warriors will need to trade Kuminga and 2027 First for a good Center.
SNT Example
Kuminga and 2027 top 10 protected First for Naz Reid
Naz reid has a $15M player option which no doubt, he will turn down.
Try again.
Odds of Warriors trading Kuminga: 0
Oh my friend Ari. Chances of Jonathan Kuminga being traded this summer is a far higher percentage than the chances of him sticking around.
Big IF
If Lakers win the next 3 games, Warriors will be likely to move up to the 6th seed by next Monday.
Anyway, Warriors are likely to be the 6th seed next week.
Dray/Jimmy/Kuminga bout to destroy all bigs
I’d have Kuminga play off the bench. Team is currently on a roll and if anything already lack true 3 point shooters with Green and Butler. Kuminga only makes that worse and takes away touches from guys that are hot. Kuminga off the bench with his athleticism would tear apart some of the second unit guys out there. Plus he brings really good energy and fresh legs as people start to tire.
I think that’s a given for the first two weeks minimum. Who knows after that even.
The place Kuminga will really help is when Curry is out there with the scrubs. Kerr has been doing a rotation where Dray/Butler play together with the second unit and dominate while Steph survives with the scrubs while those two rest after their first stint.
The West 10 thru 5 are only separated by 6 gms. Still some maneuvering can go on. First rd should be a real battle. Mavs healthy will be a force. Thunder are team to beat. But cause of their experience. No one fears them.