NBA Trade Rumors: Bogdanovic Off The Table, Kings Keeping Serbian Hotshot

With the NBA trade deadline happening this Feb. 6, one name that has gained interest in the rumor mill is Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Sacramento Kings. Seeing that the team holds low chances of making it to the playoffs, pundits feel that it would best for Sacramento to unload the 27-year-old Serbian for future assets.

Unfortunately, the most recent report seems to say otherwise. According to James Ham of NBC Sports, the Kings plan to keep the 27th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft. This is despite the fact that Bogdanovic will become a restricted free agent in the summer.

In a previous report, it was mentioned how the Kings would be open to moving the Serbian but only at the right price. The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the rumored teams heavily interested in Bogdanovic but would not settle for Kyle Kuzma alone. In short, it would take a ridiculous offer to lure the 6-foot-6 cager to the Lakers' fold.

With the sudden turn of events, it appears that the Kings plan to hold on to Bogdanovic despite the latter declining a $51.4 million extension back in October. At any rate, the Serbian swingman is expected to raise his asking price in the NBA offseason, something the Kings could be ready to give.

Aside from the Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers were another team interested in Bogdanovic. But with Sacramento standing pat on keeping him, both they and the Lakers will have to lower expectations and likely focus on other available talents before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.

The Kings are 15-29 and ahead of the cellar-dwelling Golden State Warriors (10-36). Reaching the NBA playoffs seems like a long shot despite minority owner Shaquille O'Neal believing they will.

Looking at the season stats of Bogdanovic, his numbers are hardly eye-popping. In 33 games, he has averaged 14.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per Basketball-Reference.com. However, it appears Sacramento is looking beyond that. Bogdanovic is a good floor spacer and passer on offense and can be of help defensively.

Regardless, a Bogdanovic trade may only be shelved after the Feb. 6 deadline. It remains that teams will still try to offer something, possibly lucrative if they have the assets. Unfortunately, the Lakers do not have that luxury, meaning they are technically out of the race for the Serbian hotshot.