Detroit Pistons: Waiting on Bojan Bogdanovic could pay off

For the second straight season, the Detroit Pistons were involved in trade rumors for their leading scorer.

First it was Jerami Grant, who was eventually dealt in a trade that eventually led to Jalen Duren, and this season it was Bojan Bogdanovic, who was involved in myriad rumors at the trade deadline.

The Pistons didn’t get an offer they wanted, so declined to move Bogdanovic, and instead GM Troy Weaver assured him he was part of the future plans, and that Detroit was “going to be great” next year with him on the roster.

It was somewhat surprising that the Detroit Pistons didn’t trade Bogs given that they were the worst team in the league and he reportedly had a number of suitors. But being patient with Bojan Bogdanovic could end up being a very smart move.

Detroit Pistons: Bojan Bogdanovic can help this team turn the corner

If the Detroit Pistons do end up keeping Bogdanovic this summer, he will be a valuable part of a roster that is getting Cade Cunningham back and should walk away from the draft and free agency with some help on the wing.

Bogdanovic’s exposure on the defensive end will hopefully be limited, and he still brings a lot on offense, especially to a team that has playmakers and lacks shooting. Having a 40 percent 3-point shooter around Cunningham and Jaden Ivey is going to help them immensely, and if the Pistons can add some defense and athleticism on the wing, Bogdanovic will be less of a liability on defense, as he won’t have to guard quicker wings.

If the Detroit Pistons really are going to be competitive next season, they will need veterans with Bogdanovic’s skillset on offense, so keeping him makes sense.

Until it doesn’t.

Detroit Pistons: Is Bojan Bogdanovic more valuable now?

Most contending teams could use a player like Bogdanovic, as he’s the perfect 3rd or 4th option on a good team that already has stars.

He was connected in trade rumors with teams like Dallas, Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Lakers at the trade deadline and that list will likely grow in the offseason, especially after some of the flameouts at the end of the season and in the playoffs.

Teams that were unwilling to come off a top young player or a first-round pick for Bogdanovic at the deadline may be more inclined to do so now as they try to put together revamped rosters for next season.

Milwaukee will be desperate to improve after losing in the first round and hiring a new coach. Dallas is in full blown win-now mode after not even making the play-in with Luka Doncic. The Lakers know their clock is ticking.

The fact that the Miami Heat just made the Eastern Conference Finals as the 8th seed could have teams like Atlanta, New York and Philadelphia thinking they could be there with the right veteran addition.

Whether they keep him or not, the Detroit Pistons won’t likely be hurt by holding onto Bogdanovic, who can either be a valuable part of an emerging team or fetch a decent haul in a trade this offseason or at next year’s deadline.