Source: Kings unlikely to send Bogdan Bogdanovic to Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma
The Kings have reportedly expressed interest in Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, but they would have to part ways with guard Bogdan Bogdanovic to get a deal done, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
The NBA trade deadline is a month away, but rumors are already beginning to swirl. On Monday, Stein tweeted: “Sacramento is among the teams that has tried to engage the Lakers in Kyle Kuzma trade talks, league sources say. The Kings know they would have to include sharpshooter (and soon-to-be restricted free agent) Bogdan Bogdanovic, for starters, in a Kuzma deal.”
A league source told The Sacramento Bee the Kings are unlikely to trade Bogdanovic for Kuzma. The Kings value Bogdanovic’s versatility and they are comfortable with having the right to match any offers for him if he becomes a restricted free agent this summer. Bogdanovic has missed six games due to hamstring and ankle injuries this season. The Kings are 0-6 in those contests.
The Kings have until June 30 to re-sign Bogdanovic, who is eligible for a four-year deal worth up to $51.4 million, or he will become a restricted free agent. Bogdanovic, 27, would likely attract bigger offers in free agency. The Kings would have the right to match any offers he receives.
Bogdanovic told The Bee in October the Kings offered him the maximum extension, but he has yet to accept their offer.
“I would like to stay,” Bogdanovic said. “Everyone knows that I love Sacramento. Everyone loves to be here. It’s a great group of guys. I’m happy right now and I was happy all these years, but I don’t want to rush anything.”
Bogdanovic is averaging 14.5 points, 3.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds in his third season with the Kings. He started 52 games as a rookie in 2017-18, but has settled into a backup role behind Buddy Hield over the past two seasons.
Kuzma, 24, is averaging career-lows of 11.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in his third season with the Lakers. Kuzma put up impressive numbers in his first two seasons, when the Lakers were led by Kings coach Luke Walton. Kuzma averaged 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds as a rookie in 2017-18. He averaged 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in 2018-19.
Bogdanovic is making $8.5 million this season. Kuzma is making $1.97 million. If the Kings and Lakers were to make a deal involving Bogdanovic and Kuzma, the Lakers would have to include a player like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Avery Bradley to make salaries match.
Kings upcoming schedule
Jan. 6 vs. Golden State, 7 p.m.
Jan. 7 at Phoenix, 6 p.m.
Jan. 10 vs. Milwaukee, 7 p.m.
Jan. 13 vs. Orlando, 7 p.m.
Jan. 15 vs. Dallas Mavericks
This story was originally published January 6, 2020 at 12:30 PM.
