The Golden State Warriors could be ready to replace Andrew Bogut as the team attempts to bounce back next season.
The Warriors could be contemplating on trading Bogut as they try to make room for a potential Kevin Durant signing, and with the team reportedly growing frustrated by the Aussie's "unreliability, particularly in times of greatest need," according to Monte Poole of CSN Bay Area.
"The Warriors, should they win the race to KD, will have to shed salary and several sources indicate they'd like to move Bogut as much if not more than anyone else," Poole wrote.
"Though Warriors coach Steve Kerr is committed to having a versatile lineup, able to play big or small, the team has grown frustrated by Bogut's unreliability, particularly in times of greatest need."
Regardless of the result of the Warriors' pursuit for Durant, it seems the team is ready to move on from Bogut, who has been a key cog in the Warriors' success, but has also been inconsistent most of the times.
By drafting Damian Jones from Vanderbilt, the Warriors could be looking at replacing Bogut or restricted free agent Festus Ezeli, who has received a qualifying offer from the Warriors. However, it is unlikely Jones would provide an instant impact to a team lacking a scoring center.
Instead of betting on Jones' potential and Ezeli's possible emergence if he returns, the Warriors could opt for a veteran center who could contribute on both ends of the floor. Enter Pau Gasol.
According to CBS Sports' Matt Moore, the Warriors are among the teams showing interest in signing the Spaniard, who is inclined to join a contender for another shot to win an NBA title.
Gasol would be a perfect fit to the Warriors as a versatile big man who can effectively score and provide rim protection, something the Warriors lacked when Bogut went down in the Finals.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne claimed there is a real chance the Warriors would sign Gasol, especially if the team strikes out in landing Durant this summer.
However, it would probably be difficult for the Warriors to find a team that would trade for Bogut, who has rich history of injuries. Likewise, it would be difficult to acquire Gasol with plenty of other suitors ready to pitch the two-time NBA champion.
There is no doubt that the Warriors' top priority in free agency is Durant, who could become a real-game changer for the team. But if the Warriors fail to lure the four-time scoring champion into the Bay Area, Gasol would be a good consolation prize.