The Sacramento Kings have declined to match Bogdan Bodganovic's offer sheet with the Atlanta Hawks, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
Kings front office labored over the decision, but kept coming back to new GM Monte McNair's plan to maintain roster flexibility. Keeping Bogdanovic would've severely limited the organization's ability to continue reshaping the team around its young core of Fox, Bagley and Hield. https://t.co/d4tuT8IRkD
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 25, 2020
And once Tyrese Haliburton dropped to the Kings at No. 11 in Wednesday's draft, Sacramento suddenly had a deeper, more talented backcourt than they originally anticipated heading into free agency --- another factor in this decision. https://t.co/R5l8il2WZn
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 25, 2020
While the exact terms of the contract have yet to be revealed, Bogdanovic will be paid approximately $72 million over the next four years, employing him through age 32. His deal will also include a 15% trade kicker for all guaranteed seasons, as well as a player option in the final year.
Watching Bogdan Bogdanovic, one of Sacramento's most exciting and versatile players, walk for no compensation may be frustrating when viewed in a vacuum, but the decision is an understandable one for new Kings General Manager Monte McNair. It's clear that McNair's priority this offseason is to reset the team around De'Aaron Fox, a goal that many within the fan base share, and not wanting to burden himself with a third large, long-term contract (Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes) is an understandable viewpoint. There's no reward in allowing Bogdanovic to leave the team, but there's also no risk.
With most of the attractive free agents already acquired, it's highly likely that the Kings will now turn their attention inward, rather than outward over the next few weeks. It's entirely possible that Sacramento doesn't sign a single new player this offseason. Instead, the Kings could decline their mid-level exception and operate under the salary cap, which would allow for some more flexibility in future trades. Either way, McNair is expected to try and shed his other overpaid veterans and non-rookie scale players, rather than pushing for the playoffs like the previous regime.
The Bogdanovic contract situation was always going to be messy once Vlade Divac exited the franchise, and the failed Milwaukee Bucks trade only further served to complicate matters. Even though Bogdan is now a part of the Atlanta Hawks, he can be assured that Kings fans will be rooting for his individual success in the Eastern Conference.
Good luck on the East Coast, Bogi!
Best of luck Bogi!
This is always where this was headed. I’m just bummed the Bucks deal fell through.
For real, getting nothing for Bogi is such a let down