Bucks Lose 2022 Second-Rounder for Bogdan Bogdanovic Tampering

The NBA's tampering rules were instituted to help, not hurt, small-market teams. But that didn't stop the league from taking a 2022 second-round selection from the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday for tampering with then-free agent Bogdan Bogdanovic.

The decision comes after the Bucks failed to pull off a sign-and-trade deal for the Kings' restricted free agent. Through an investigation, the NBA found that the Bucks and/or Bogdanovic's agent violated the league's collectively bargained rules in free agency. 

Ultimately, the Bucks didn't consummate the deal and Bogdanovic signed a four-year, $72 million pact with the Atlanta Hawks as the Kings decided not to match the offer for the restricted free agent. 

Although it's a disaster for losing out on Bogdanovic and being stripped a second-rounder, it's not the worst-case scenario for Milwaukee. The Bucks, of course, upgraded their roster by paying a hefty price for one year of Jrue Holiday and inked face of the franchise Giannis Antetokounmpo to a five-year, supermax deal. 

Bogdanovic averaged 15.1 points on 37% shooting from beyond the arc in 2019-20. 

Follow Lance Cartelli on Twitter @CasuallyGinger

Photo: Getty Images