Bogdan Bogdanovic has emerged as one of the hottest names in free agency of late. As it turns out, the Sacramento Kings' potential decision not to match the Atlanta Hawks' offer for Bogdanovic actually has a lot to do with Buddy Hield.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the fact that Hield does not appear to be drawing much interest from other teams might just force Sacramento's hand in the Bogdanovic decision:
If there is no real, viable market for a Buddy Hield trade, as sources say, then first-year Kings GM Monte McNair should be very reluctant about running it back with this group. Bogdan, whose presence means Buddy remains an unhappy 6th man, clearly wants to move on.
It's been a busy past few days for Bogdanovic, who is currently a restricted free agent with the Kings. It was earlier announced that the 28-year-old was set to join the Milwaukee Bucks, only for the deal to be called off. Not long after, it was announced that the Hawks had tabled a four-year, $72 million deal for Bogdanovic, which the Kings now have an option to match.
At this point, however, Sacramento seems more inclined to let Bogdanovic walk, and instead, focus their attention on Hield for the upcoming campaign:
The premise of the perspective is built largely on that previously mentioned idea that Buddy Hield's trade market is relatively nonexistent. If that's true, then keeping Bogdanovic would be a purgatory move for the Kings. If it's not, however, then perhaps you relieve the pressure that way. But as they seek a fresh start and progress, something's gotta give here.
Needless to say, a lot will be riding on the shoulders of Hield next season in the likely event that the Kings part ways with Bogdanovic. Hield will likely retake the starting gig for Sacramento, which is a role he blossomed in during the 2018-19 season.
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