Steep Decline! Did This Trade Ruin 35-Year-Old Bojan Bogdanović’s Career?

Bojan Bogdanović, once a crucial player for the Utah Jazz during their playoff runs, has experienced a tumultuous year, to say the least. According to a recent report by The New York Post’s Brian Lewis, the 35-year-old forward underwent multiple surgeries this offseason, including procedures on his left foot and wrist. As a result, he remains in recovery and hasn’t yet been able to join the Brooklyn Nets' training camp. Despite his absence, there have been no discussions between the team and Bogdanović about a buyout or trade.

Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn recently confirmed that Bogdanović won’t be ready for training camp due to his recovery process. "The surgery was successful," Vaughn said, "and Bojan is working hard to get back. He’s in great spirits and training hard every day, but he won’t be ready in time for camp."

This update brings attention to the struggles Bogdanović has faced in the past year. From being a reliable 20-point scorer in Utah to a sudden and steep decline with the New York Knicks, it seems as though Bogdanović's career has taken a severe downturn, particularly after a string of injuries and poor fits with different teams.

The Utah Jazz Days: Bojan’s Golden Era

From 2019 to 2022, Bogdanović was a key component of the Utah Jazz, one of the top teams in the Western Conference during that stretch. His ability to score, especially from beyond the arc, made him a dangerous offensive weapon alongside Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Over those three seasons, Bogdanović posted averages of 20.2, 17.0, and 18.1 points per game, respectively. His versatility on offense made him one of the most reliable scorers on the team.

Bogdanović’s contributions weren’t just about points. He fit perfectly within the Jazz system, spreading the floor with his three-point shooting and providing a secondary option to Mitchell. His experience and basketball IQ helped guide Utah deep into the postseason, where the Jazz were regularly considered contenders. Although the team ultimately fell short of a championship, Bogdanović’s performance was consistently solid.

From Utah to Detroit: A Fresh Start with a Strong Impact

The 2022 offseason saw the dismantling of the Jazz's core, as both Mitchell and Gobert were traded to Cleveland and Minnesota, respectively. Bogdanović, too, found himself on the move, landing with the rebuilding Detroit Pistons. While the move to a lottery-bound team might have seemed like a downgrade, Bogdanović thrived in his new environment, producing arguably the best statistical season of his career.

In his first season with the Pistons (2022-23), Bogdanović played 59 games, averaging a career-high 21.6 points per game. He shot an impressive 48.8% from the field, 41.1% from three-point range, and 88.4% from the free-throw line, all of which contributed to a career-best true shooting percentage of 62.7%. Despite the Pistons’ poor record, Bogdanović was a bright spot, and his performance drew attention from numerous teams across the league.

Detroit initially placed a high asking price for Bogdanović, reportedly seeking two first-round picks in exchange. However, as the trade deadline approached and teams hesitated to meet that price, the Pistons lowered their demands to one unprotected first-round pick. Still, no trade materialized, as teams appeared to be wary of Bogdanović’s high production on a struggling team, believing his numbers might be inflated due to the Pistons' poor overall performance.

Injury-Plagued 2023 Season and a Shocking Trade to the Knicks

Bogdanović’s strong start in Detroit was interrupted by injuries. He did not make his season debut until December 2023, after missing the first two months of the season. When he did return, his play was still solid, averaging 20.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game over 28 appearances for Detroit. He continued to shoot efficiently, posting a 46.8% field goal percentage, 41.5% from deep, and a 60.0% true shooting percentage.

As the trade deadline approached in February, Bogdanović was once again in the rumor mill. Ultimately, the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks struck a deal. The Knicks traded Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, and two future second-round picks to Detroit in exchange for Bogdanović and Alec Burks. Knicks fans were excited at the prospect of adding two proven scorers to bolster their bench, but the results were far from ideal.

A Rapid Decline in New York

The move to New York was a disaster for Bogdanović. Once a consistent starter in Detroit, he found himself relegated to a bench role under head coach Tom Thibodeau. With the Knicks' rotation set and their defense-oriented system in place, Bogdanović's playing time plummeted. He went from averaging over 32 minutes per game in Detroit to just 19.2 minutes per contest with the Knicks.

Unsurprisingly, Bogdanović’s stats took a nosedive as well. His scoring dropped to just 10.4 points per game, nearly half of what he had produced in Detroit. His rebounding and assist numbers also saw declines, with averages of just 2.0 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. Even more concerning was his drop in shooting efficiency. After shooting over 40% from deep with the Pistons, Bogdanović’s three-point percentage fell to 37% with the Knicks, while his overall field goal percentage dropped to 43%. His true shooting percentage of 54.9% was the lowest of his career.

Several factors contributed to Bogdanović’s struggles in New York. First, Thibodeau’s defensive philosophy did not align with Bogdanović’s strengths as an offensive-minded player. Known for his shooting and scoring versatility, Bogdanović’s defensive limitations made him an odd fit in Thibodeau’s system, where defense is prioritized above all else. In addition, the Knicks had a deep roster, and there simply wasn’t enough room for Bogdanović to receive the minutes or touches he was accustomed to.

Perhaps the most devastating blow came in the playoffs. During Game 4 of the first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Bogdanović collided with Nicolas Batum, resulting in serious injuries to his left foot and wrist. Not long after, Bogdanović underwent surgery for both injuries, effectively ending his season.

What’s Next for Bojan?

As Bogdanović now faces a lengthy recovery, the question remains: What’s next for the 35-year-old sharpshooter? He’s entering the final year of his contract, which means this upcoming season will be pivotal for his future in the league. If he can recover and return to form, there’s a chance he could secure another contract, perhaps with a contending team looking for veteran shooting and experience.

Unfortunately, Bogdanović finds himself on a rebuilding Brooklyn Nets team that likely doesn’t view him as part of their long-term plans. The most likely scenario is that Bogdanović will either be traded or bought out at some point during the season, allowing him to join a playoff-caliber team where his skillset can be better utilized.

Looking back, it’s clear that the trade to New York significantly hurt Bogdanović’s career trajectory. While he was still a productive player in Detroit, the Knicks’ system and injury troubles led to a sharp decline in his performance. At 35, with injuries piling up and his production slipping, it’s uncertain how much more Bogdanović has left in the tank.

Still, it would be unwise to write him off completely. His time in Utah and Detroit showed that when healthy, Bogdanović remains a capable scorer and shooter, a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster its offense. The hope is that with the right fit and a clean bill of health, Bogdanović can reclaim some of his previous form and finish his career on a high note.