Bucks' trade for Bogdan Bogdanovic appears to fall through after reported critical oversight
On Monday, the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly swung a deal to land sharp-shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic from the Sacramento Kings as part of a roster overhaul to rebuild around MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
On Wednesday, news broke that the trade might not happen thanks to a critical oversight.
Bogdanovic, 28, is a restricted free agent. The deal would be a sign-and-trade requiring Bogdanovic agreeing to a new contract prior to joining the Bucks. According to the Athletic’s Sam Amick, Bogdonavic never agreed to the deal.
Amick described the issue as “major” in terms of the trade going through. He also cited a “high-ranking team official” who says there are additional issues and the outcome of the trade is “unclear.”
Bogdanovic reportedly planning to test free agency
Hours later, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Bogdanovic plans to enter restricted free agency when the window opens Friday evening.
The initial agreement reportedly involved the Bucks sending Donte DiVincenzo, D.J. Wilson and Ersan Ilyasova to Sacramento in exchange for Bogdanovic. The Bucks also agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, sending Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and a package of draft picks in exchange for Jrue Holiday.
Bucks fighting to keep Giannis
The moves were a response to the Bucks’ playoff failures the last two seasons, including 2020’s stunning second-round playoff exit to the Miami Heat after posting the league’s best record during the regular season.
Antetokounmpo is coming off his second straight MVP campaign and will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason unless he agrees to sign a supermax extension with the Bucks. He has made clear that he expects the Bucks to improve the roster around him.
If they don’t, leaving as a free agent next offseason or inciting a trade are real options for Antetokounmpo. The Bogdanovic deal was a significant piece of Milwaukee’s overture to retain their superstar.
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