Dallas Mavericks: 3 Possible Free Agent Acquisitions

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG/SF, Sacramento Kings

Key Stats:
29.0 Minutes Per Game
15.1 Points Per Game
3.4 Rebounds Per Game
3.4 Assists Per Game
44.0% Field Goal Percentage
37.2% 3-pt Field Goal Percentage

Alas, a popular choice amongst most MFFLs. Bogdanovic has long been connected to All-Star Luka Doncic as they are good friends from neighboring Balkan countries. Bogdanovic has also been connected because of his ability to well on and off the ball.

An issue for the Serbian has been the constant change in his role with the team. When the whole team was healthy, Bogdanovic was pushed to the bench to backup Harrison Barnes. When Marvin Bagley got injured, he was thrust into the starting lineup he lined up at small forward.

When he did start, Bogdanovic averaged roughly two more minutes but also two more points per game than when he came off the bench. His offensive rating went up to 116 from the 103 off the bench and the Kings’ record when he started was 16-12. (They were 13-20 when he came off the bench)

The numbers aren’t much to awe over but he clearly gave the Kings a better chance to win when he was on the court because he is a smart player who can create a shot for himself and others and he displays consistent effort on the defensive end.

The most challenging part of obtaining Bogdanovic will be having to pay more than he’s worth. He is currently a restricted free agent. He was previously making $9 million a year. His market value likely north of $14-15 million per year. At that salary, Sacramento would likely match that deal from any team. For that reason, if the Mavericks wanted the Serbian’s services, they’d likely have to pay north of $19 million per year. For a 28-year-old that hasn’t started 100 games in his career so far, that feels like a premium even if he is a pretty good ballplayer.

However, as I mentioned previously if a team is wasting their time not pursuing players that will elevate their squad they are bound to underachieve no matter the price point. This might be an option the Mavericks didn’t plan on pursuing but might have to do.