Cade Cunningham Injury News; Bogdanovic trade?

As the 2022-23 NBA season began, there was some hope among the people of the Detroit Pistons organization that they could compete for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference. While we haven’t even reached Christmas yet, that seems like a goal that won’t be achievable for Detroit this season.

The Pistons are currently tied with the Charlotte Hornets for fewest wins in the NBA with seven and have the worst record in the league at 7-22. A major reason for the team’s struggles is the loss of point guard Cade Cunningham.

The number 1 of the 2021 NBA Draft has been sidelined since November 9 with a shin injury. While the Pistons were only 3-9 this season with Cunningham in the lineup, they are 4-13 without him.

It’s hard to imagine things changing any time soon, but the chance of losing isn’t something the Pistons are overly concerned about right now.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates

The more losses Detroit suffers, the more likely they are to clinch the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and add Victor Wembanyama to the lineup alongside Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, the team’s first round pick in the 2022 NBA draft. design.

Teams across the league are now patiently waiting for the Pistons to become sellers. According to Michael Scotto from HoopsHypeleague staff believe Cunningham’s injury will make them more open to trades sooner rather than later, with Bojan Bogdanovic drawing the most interest.

So far, Detroit has been unwilling to enter into trade talks for the 33-year-old forward. Rival executives, however, hope attitudes change closer to the deadline if Detroit remains in the basement of the East, with Cade Cunningham expected to lead the rest. of the season will miss.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates

Bogdanovic surprisingly landed at the Motor City ahead of the regular season in a trade from the Utah Jazz, receiving Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee. Not receiving a provisional fee is something that shocked many people, but the Jazz had no intention of taking any long-term money, which was included with any offering that had a first-round pick.

Almost immediately after the trade was made, Bogdanovic signed a contract extension with the Pistons, a two-year deal worth $39.1 million. That further enhanced its value, as not only is the deal affordable below market value, but the second year of the renewal isn’t fully guaranteed.

Despite the Pistons’ struggles, Bogdanovic has done nothing to negatively impact his market. He is having an outstanding season as he averages a career-high 21 points per game and knocks on the door of the illustrious shooting club 50/40/90. In combination with the extension, Bogdanovic is a hot commodity.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Bojan Bogdanovic & Detroit Pistons Updates

But the asking price isn’t cheap. The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams that are a suitor for Bogdanovic, but Detroit will not budge on their asking price of an unprotected first-round pick. While the Lakers have balked at that price, there are plenty of contenders linked to Bogdanovic who are likely willing to pay that price.