Bucks Lose 2022 NBA Draft 2nd-Round Pick over Failed Bogdan Bogdanovic Trade

The NBA announced the Milwaukee Bucks have been stripped of their 2022 second-round pick after finding the team violated tampering rules in their failed sign-and-trade for Bogdan Bogdanovic. 

A league investigation found the Bucks had contact with Bogdanovic and/or his representation before they were allowed under league rules. Milwaukee reportedly agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings for the sweet-shooting swingman ahead of the November free-agency period, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, but the deal fell apart before it became official.

The sign-and-trade agreement was reported before teams were allowed to contact free agents. After the deal fell apart, the NBA announced it was conducting an investigation into allegations of tampering.

The Atlanta Hawks later signed Bogdanovic to a four-year, $72 million contract. The league said the fact that Bogdanovic signed elsewhere played a part in the Bucks receiving a lighter penalty. 

"The penalty took into account the Bucks' cooperation with the investigation, the absence of evidence of any impermissible early agreement on the terms of a contract between the Bucks and Bogdanovic, and the fact that the team ultimately did not sign Bogdanovic," the statement read.

While tampering is one of the NBA's worst-kept secrets, the fiasco represents an incredible miscalculation on Milwaukee's part. Bogdanovic would have been a stellar addition to a starting five that already added Jrue Holiday this offseason. Their "best five" lineup would have included Holiday, Bogdanovic, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, surrounding Giannis with four plus shooters.

That fifth spot in the lineup is now unclear, with Donte DiVincenzo being the likeliest candidate to fill the spot.

It's the type of gaffe some could point to if the Bucks wind up falling short of winning a championship again this season.