Sorry, Boston Celtics.
Though A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com said that the Celtics would consider trying to trade for Andrew Bogut as a way of beefing up their defense, the NBA-worst Dallas Mavericks apparently aren’t having it, per ESPN.com’s Tim MacMahon:
Sources tell ESPN that Mavs have no immediate intention to shop Andrew Bogut, as their focus for now is trying to salvage their season. However, Mavs management recognizes that Bogut has significant value in the trade market as a proven championship-caliber complementary piece in a contract year and could become motivated to move him if and when it becomes clear that the Mavs have no hope of making the playoffs this season. Several league sources said the Mavs should be able to get a first-round pick from a contender for Bogut.
After reading that, it’s safe to say the Mavericks’ stance on Bogut will change soon enough, be it after loss No. 20, 25 or 35. They are in no position to refuse a first-round pick when it only involves flipping an expiring contract they acquired for nothing.
The Mavericks also aren’t in any position to re-sign Bogut at the end of this season when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. He will turn 33 at the beginning of next season, and his timeline doesn’t align with the window Dallas should be tailoring its roster to.
This season needs to be a wake-up call for the Mavericks. They are going to land a top-five pick and will have a ton of cap space. It’s time to rebuild, not chase perpetual first-round playoff exits. And if the Mavs are serious about planning for the future, it doesn’t take a genius to see that Bogut won’t be a part of it.
Expect him to have a new home by the February’s trade deadline—assuming, of course, the right knee injury he suffered Monday night against the Denver Nuggets isn’t serious.
