Grading The Bogdan Bogdanovic Trade To The Clippers: Surprising But High-Reward Deal

In a move few saw coming, the Los Angeles Clippers shook up their roster just before the trade deadline by acquiring Bogdan Bogdanovic from the Atlanta Hawks. Despite having a poor season for his standards, Bogdanovic adds firepower to a team that has been surprisingly very good in the Western Conference this season.

Full Trade Details

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, 2025 Second-Round Pick (MIN), 2027 Second-Round Pick (LAC), 2026 Second-Round Pick (Protected 43-60, MEM)

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Terance Mann, Bones Hyland

The Clippers, hoping to find consistency and make a deep playoff run, were willing to part with fan-favorite Terance Mann and young guard Bones Hyland to get the deal done. The move for the Clippers was simple because they wanted to bring shooting and defense to a team headlined by James Harden, Norman Powell, and Kawhi Leonard (who is hoping to stay healthy).

For the Hawks, this trade signals a focus on developing their young core around Trae Young (unless he is the next to be traded), Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher. They have already traded De'Andre Hunter to the Cavaliers, so they seem to be headed towards the tank. But the question remains—was this the right gamble for both sides? Let’s dive into what this deal means for each team and who came out ahead.

Clippers Improve Their Outside Shooting By Adding Another Threat

The Clippers have struggled at times with consistent shooting, and the acquisition of Bogdan Bogdanovic directly addresses this issue. Bogdanovic is averaging 10.0 points per game this season while shooting 30.1% from three-point range, but it is clear he can improve his numbers on the right team.

His ability to score both on and off the ball provides a perfect complement to the Clippers' offense, especially alongside Harden, Powell, and Leonard. With defenses already stretched trying to contain their stars, Bogdanovic’s shooting will open up valuable spacing and give the Clippers an extra weapon in crunch-time scenarios.

Beyond his shooting, Bogdanovic brings veteran experience and a knack for stepping up in big moments. He’s proven his value in playoff settings, most notably during Atlanta's surprising 2021 run to the Eastern Conference Finals. His ability to create his own shot or facilitate for others when needed gives the Clippers added flexibility on offense, something they’ve lacked in previous playoff exits. Tyronn Lue will now have another versatile scorer to deploy when the game slows down in the postseason.

The fit is undeniable, but the Clippers also improve their depth by making this move. Bogdanovic is a high-IQ player who can easily slot into their system without disrupting chemistry. While losing Terance Mann may sting for fans, adding a player like Bogdanovic who thrives in catch-and-shoot situations might be the exact type of move the Clippers need.

Atlanta Hawks Trade A Good Player In A Potential Effort To Start Tanking

Trading Bogdan Bogdanovic signals another shift for the Hawks as he is the next to follow the departing De'Andre Hunter. While they aren’t fully hitting the reset button (although getting close), moving a productive player like Bogdanovic in exchange for younger assets suggests they’re thinking about retooling their roster.

Terance Mann is a versatile defender and solid role player, averaging 6.0 points and 2.9 rebounds per game this season, while also shooting 34.7% from deep. His defensive acumen and ability to play multiple positions make him a valuable piece alongside Atlanta's backcourt.

The addition of Bones Hyland offers an intriguing upside for the Hawks. Though Hyland has struggled with consistency this season, averaging 7.2 points per game on 38.8% shooting, his quick scoring ability off the bench adds a new dimension to Atlanta's second unit. At just 24 years old, Hyland has plenty of room to grow and could thrive in a system where he’s given more freedom to develop his playmaking and shot selection.

This trade also frees up cap flexibility for Atlanta, as Bogdanovic’s sizable contract is replaced by two players on more team-friendly deals. However, trading away a reliable shooter like Bogdanovic may hurt Atlanta in the short term. While Mann and Hyland bring youth and energy, neither offers the two-way potential that Bogdanovic can deliver.

Clippers Win The Trade In A Low-Risk, High-Reward Gamble

From the Clippers’ perspective, this is a no-brainer move. They add a proven scorer in Bogdanovic without giving up any of their top stars or significant future assets, and brought back three second-round picks as well. While Terance Mann has been a key role player, his limited offensive upside makes him less valuable to a team trying to win a title right now.

Bogdanovic’s ability to create offense in a variety of ways and space the floor makes him a clear upgrade, particularly for a team that has lacked consistent scoring depth outside its superstars. The risk here is minimal for Los Angeles. Bogdanovic is under contract through next season, providing stability for the Clippers as they continue to chase a championship window.

At 32 years old, he’s still in his prime and doesn’t rely on athleticism, which bodes well for his fit alongside the Clippers’ veteran core. Even if Bogdanovic’s role is primarily as a catch-and-shoot option, his impact on the team’s offensive flow could be significant.

This trade also strengthens the Clippers’ bench, giving them more lineup flexibility and another reliable shooter for playoff rotations. For a team that has consistently fallen short of expectations, this low-risk, high-reward move might be the key to a deeper playoff run.