Miami Heat mentioned as potential suitor for highly-coveted forward

Despite having not played in a game this season, Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic is expected to be “heavily pursued” by contending teams such as the Miami Heat when he’s cleared to return, according to a report. 

The 2-13 Pistons have sunk to the bottom of the East standings and stand to benefit from trading Bogdanovic, an impending free agent, as they lean into their youth movement.

Bojan Bogdanovic could be a top trade option for the Miami Heat if the Detroit Pistons make him available.

Sam Amico of Hoops Wire writes that Detroit “isn’t totally closed to the idea of trading Bogdanovic, sources said. But the Pistons really like his veteran presence and productivity, and would be seeking young players and/or picks.”

In addition to Bogdanovic, the Pistons could also look to trade other experienced players such as Alec Burks and Monte Morris in order to create playing time for a young group that includes Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren and Marcus Sasser.

"Small forward Bojan Bogdanovic (calf) has yet to appear in a game this season, but given that the young Pistons are going nowhere fast, he’s expected to be heavily pursued by contenders once he’s cleared to play. "

- Sam Amico, Hoops Wire

The Heat and New York Knicks have been mentioned as potential suitors for Bogdanovic, according to Amico. 

Bogdanovic, 34, averaged a career-high 21.4 points in 59 games last season while shooting 41.1% from 3-point range. 

As outlined here, Bogdanovic would be an ideal fit in Miami’s offense, where he could help space the floor around stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo while providing some needed scoring for the league’s 18th-ranked offense.

A move doesn’t seem imminent, but Bogdanovic has been cleared to return to practice and could be available to play in the coming days or weeks. The Heat are in the midst of their most successful stretch of the season, but Bogdanovic's name is one worth monitoring closer to the February trade deadline.