Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

Bogdan Bogdanovic Rumors: SG Feels 'De-Prioritized' by Kings, Prefers to Move On

Jenna Ciccotelli

As the Sacramento Kings contemplate whether to match the Atlanta Hawks' offer of a four-year, $72 million deal for guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, the 28-year-old reportedly wants to head east.

Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee reported Monday that Bogdanovic "would prefer to move on," given that he feels "de-prioritized" within the Kings organization.

According to Anderson, former Kings general manager Vlade Divac had set aside $15-$18 million for Bogdanovic, who was drafted 27th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2014 but had his rights traded to the Kings two years later. Now, new general manager Monte McNair must find a way to keep the Kings roster strong in the absence of a salary-cap increase.

Keeping Bogdanovic at that price would limit other roster moves for the Kings this offseason. As Anderson noted, $18 million for him this season would push the Kings nearly $6 million over the $109.1 million salary cap, and while the strategy could work for now since the Kings have Bird rights on him, it would require a different solution next year, when De'Aaron Fox begins his max contract worth $163 million.

But Bogdanovic, who averaged a career-best 15.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game in a career-high 29.0 minutes per outing, helped lead the Kings to a 31-41 record. With a youthful roster that has a promising future in Fox, Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III, keeping him in Sacramento could bring the franchise to its first playoff appearance since 2006.

The Kings have until Tuesday to match the offer sheet.

   

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