NBA Analysis Network came up with a trade proposal for Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic that would be a blatant overpay for the Boston Celtics. Though Bogdanovic is playing like someone who you’d give up several role players and a future draft pick for on the surface, context changes the urgency to do such a deal.
For the Celtics, more scoring would be appreciated, but it’s not needed. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the two guys in need of the most touches, so getting a third high-usage gunner on the wing isn’t necessary — especially with guards like Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, and Derrick White in need of touches themselves. At 25%, Bogdanovic would be adding a fourth player with a usage rate of over 20%. Someone more complementary and less ball-dominant would be a better fit.
Another key detail is that the Cs would be giving up three players who have been in and out of the rotation all season and a future first-round draft pick for someone who isn’t guaranteed to start. Even if Bogdanovic did start, Brad Stevens would then need to rebuild his second unit after gutting his roster in the following trade hypothetical:
"Detroit Pistons Receive: F Danilo Gallinari, F Grant Williams, G Payton Pritchard, F Justin Jackson, F Sam Hauser, 2025 First-Round Pick (BOS)Boston Celtics Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic"
The Boston Celtics would be better off with this Pistons shooter instead
Bringing on Bojan Bogdanovic to the Boston Celtics would be limiting his ceiling given the presence of the Jays, but there’s a deal out there that could benefit both the Cs and the player: trading for Alec Burks. Though Burks’ usage on the Pistons is currently high as well, he has proven to be able to thrive as a spot-up shooter. Bogdanovic could do the same in theory, but his career trajectory is that of a No. 2 option. He can’t be that in Boston.
Burks has a player option for next season, making him far less of a commitment. He’d also cost a lot less to acquire, with Danilo Gallinari and Payton Pritchard (plus a future draft pick) potentially getting a deal done.
The Cs look likely to pursue a wing, and if they talk with the Pistons, Burks should be the preferred target to Bogdanovic.