The Atlanta Hawks are going through their options, presumably in search of something better than what is currently available to them. However, that holding pattern has left Bogdan Bogdanovic floating in limbo.
Bogdanovic has been away from the team for the past five games, not with an injury, but simply listed as “not with team” on the daily injury report while his future gets sorted out.
When that will be remains unclear.
“Atlanta has obviously not yet traded Bogdan Bogdanović but the expectation persists that the Hawks will still be moving the 32-year-old sharpshooter before Thursday's deadline,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein wrote on February 4.
“One source briefed on the process told The Stein Line that the delay stems from the Hawks exploring more ambitious trade constructions — possibly even involving [Brandon] Ingram.”
Bogdanovic, 32, is averaging 10.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists this season.
He has a 46.9% effective field goal mark and is shooting 30.1% from long distance. Both are low marks of his NBA career. He has also appeared in 24 games this season while navigating hamstring and knee issues.
However, the Hawks’ interest in moving Bogdanovic conflicts with the New Orleans Pelicans’ plans before the deadline.
Bogdanovic still has two more years on a four-year, $68 million contract.
11 PTS early. Bogi Buckets FEELING it 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Kill8I5lb2
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 24, 2025
The Hawks could certainly look to move one or both of Bogdanovic and Capela individually. But that would limit their return in ways that could negatively impact their attempts to remain competitive this season.
Pelicans ‘reluctant’ to take on salary beyond 2025
“In talks between the Hawks and Pelicans, league sources told HoopsHype the Pelicans would be reluctant to take back future salary, including Bogdanovic, who’s owed $16 million for the 2025-26 season and has a team option worth $16 million for the 2026-27 season,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto wrote on February 4.
“Previously, the Pelicans did their due diligence on Capela this past offseason before drafting Yves Missi, as reported by HoopsHype. Capela is on an expiring $22.27 million deal.”
Missing the chance to offload not one but two of their veterans – twice – stings for the Hawks.
There figure to be other suitors for Bogdanovic. But it is unclear what any of them might be willing to offer for him considering he has underperformed this season and is under contract for two more seasons.
There is a club option for the final season of the deal.
That could make Bogdanovic more attractive to teams this coming offseason when they could treat him as an expiring deal. Taking that path also provides the rest of this season to see if Bogdanovic can return to health and his typical form.
It could make sense for the Hawks to take that route too, offering a chance to improve their potential return.
That is if both sides can move past the awkwardness that the current situation might bring.
“Bogi” has been a fan and organizational favorite during his tenure with the Hawks, setting some lofty shooting benchmarks and forever weaving himself into the franchise’s history books. The steps the Hawks are taking underscore how serious they are about turning this roster over.