Breaking Down Bogdan Bogdanovic's Contract Extension
The NBA never takes a day off from disrupting the sports news cycle. While basketball fans were focused on the NCAA Tournament, they were surprised by an unexpected roster move.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Atlanta Hawks and Bogdan Bogdanovic have agreed to a four-year, $68 million contract extension. Bogdanovic declined his $18 million player option for the 2023-24 season and replaced it with a new long-term deal.
Understandably, most Hawks fans were surprised to see the team lock in the veteran shooting guard for so long. Bogdanovic, 30, has played well since arriving in Atlanta two seasons ago but has dealt with concerning lower body injuries during most of his time with the team.
Bogdan Bogdanovic celebrates a play.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
However, it is important for fans to understand that this move does not preclude the veteran shooting guard from being traded sooner than expected. After six months, Bogdanovic will be eligible to be traded in mid-September.
It would not be the first time Atlanta has signed a shooting guard to an extension only to trade him away (Kevin Huerter). Also, team owner Tony Ressler and general manager Landry Fields have remained reluctant to go anywhere near the luxury tax.
Bogdanovic signed a four-year contract extension, but there is a high probability that he does not play in Atlanta for the duration of the contract. Bogdanovic and the Hawks host the Golden State Warriors on Friday at 7:30 p.m. EST.
