NBA rumor are swirling that the Boston Celtics are focusing on defensive big man Andrew Bogut in a potential trade with the Dallas Mavericks, multiple media outlets have reported.
Andrew Bogut — who is in the last season of his current contract — could be had at a bargain , CSN New England suggested. The Boston Celtics could offer the Dallas Mavericks a player like Amir Johnson — currently the Boston starting center — and a first-round draft pick in exchange for Andrew Bogut, the article suggested.
“As the February trade deadline draws near, the Boston Celtics are expected to take a close look at adding a defensive-minded, rebounding big man with Dallas’ Andrew Bogut likely to emerge as a target… For the Celtics, giving up [Amir] Johnson and a future first-round pick is a small price to pay for a physical, defensive-minded rebounder who would provide a different brand of rim protection than Johnson who like Bogut, will also be a free agent this summer. In addition, he gives Boston a legit physical banger in the middle which they current do not have.”
The CSN New England report contended that the Dallas Mavericks may be looking for draft picks to add quality depth for a franchise nearing the end of the Dirk Nowitzki era. For this reason, Andrew Bogut — the former No. 1 overall pick who was with the Golden State Warriors during their championship season — could be made available to the Boston Celtics.
Boston makes sense as a trade partner for the Dallas Mavericks, too. The Celtics could have multiple first-round draft picks this season thanks to a trade with the Brooklyn Nets in 2013. Even in surrendering a first-round draft pick to secure Andrew Bogut, the Boston Celtics would be in the position to draft an impact player in the 2017 NBA draft.
Salary cap space isn’t an issue for the Boston Celtics when it comes to the Andrew Bogut trade, either. Currently, Andrew Bogut is set to make slightly over $11 million this year while Amir Johnson is due $12 million. Securing a veteran with championship experience could actually decrease the salary cap hold for the Boston Celtics.
Danny Ainge Explains When Potential Celtics Trade Talks Could Heat Up | Boston Celtics | https://t.co/0N667X3R5l https://t.co/OZI6YUVGZY pic.twitter.com/qiZXuD8Tqk
— L Hamilton (@Fireteamboston) December 3, 2016
The trade would benefit other members of the Boston Celtics, too. CBS Sports reported that Al Horford — who joined Boston this summer during free agency — has already made the Celtics a better team . But the knock on the Al Horford-led squad is that the center isn’t a great rebounder or shot blocker. That’s where Andrew Bogut can benefit Al Horford and push the Boston Celtics to new heights, the article suggested.
“Meanwhile, Bogut as a rim protector gives Boston exactly what it needs. They can roll with a smallball lineup with Horford at center if necessary, or play Horford and Bogut together. Just improving their defense by a fraction could be enough to make them the second-best team in the Eastern Conference after a frustrating, inconsistent start to the year.”
If the trade for Andrew Bogut doesn’t work out, the Boston Celtics still have options. According to recent Inquisitr reports on other NBA rumors, the Minnesota Timberwolves could be in the market for a veteran player in exchange for one of their young talents. While Zach LaVine looks like the “most likely” candidate to leave Minnesota, the Timberwolves could also part ways with Andrew Wiggins for a veteran superstar , the website reported.
Andrew Bogut isn’t the only big man NBA rumors have suggested the Boston Celtics could be in the trade market to acquire. Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and Philadelphia 76ers big Nerlens Noel could be considered potential trade targets if the Dallas Mavericks don’t want to part with Andrew Bogut this season.
Do you believe the NBA rumors that Andrew Bogut could be headed to the Boston Celtics before the trade deadline? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
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