Rumors have been circulating about a possible return to Partizan Belgrade for Bogdan Bogdanovic, but the Clippers guard wants to concentrate on the rest of the NBA season before considering his future, according to Basket News.
“I see the rumors in the media too,” Bogdanovic said in an interview with Aleksander Zigic of RTS after Sunday’s game in Milwaukee. “It’s nice to see those images, but should I make a decision now? I have seven games left and a playoff run ahead, so my head is here. I’m not thinking about what will happen next month or next year.”
The 33-year-old Bogdanovic will likely face a decision about his basketball future this summer. He’s making slightly more than $16MM and the Clippers hold a team option for the same amount next season, but that may be too pricey to pick up considering his limited production. He has appeared in just 21 games this season and is averaging 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 20.4 minutes per night with .376/.329/.800 shooting numbers.
Bogdanovic turned in one of his best games of the season 11 days ago with 16 points in 27 minutes against New Orleans, and he’s focused on staying sharp if the Clippers need a similar performance in the postseason.
“I don’t know anything more than you,” he said regarding the EuroLeague rumors. “I’m ready, I’m working, and I’m training. The season is what it is. I’m trying to be in the best possible shape when the playoffs start.”
Bogdanovic began his professional career with Partizan in 2010, winning four Serbian League titles in four years and being named Playoffs MVP in 2014. He was drafted by Phoenix later that year, but opted to remain in Europe with Fenerbahce for three more seasons.
He came to the NBA in 2017, spending three seasons with Sacramento and four-plus with Atlanta before the Clippers acquired him at last year’s trade deadline. Injuries have contributed to his limited playing time in L.A., as he has appeared in 51 total games since the deal.
Mozzart Sport reported last week that Partizan is planning a major offseason overhaul with Bogdanovic as its main target. Dante Exum was also cited as a possibility if he’s able to play after undergoing season-ending knee surgery in December. Other names mentioned with NBA experience include Joffrey Lauvergne, Jan Vesely and Alen Smailagic.