Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut appears as a trade target that makes more sense for the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics have been linked to trade rumors early in the season, with the team lacking a solid rebounder and rim protector. Boston is currently 22nd in the league in rebounding, averaging 42.7 a game. And while Al Horford's return from injury would help a bit in the team's rebounding woes, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge believes rebounding would still be an issue for Boston.
"My biggest concern even before the year started was defensive rebounding," Ainge told the Boston Herald. "I think that we are a small team and a quick team, and we have to do it collectively. We don't have one of those guys that gets all the rebounds, and that was our problem last year, and it's going to be a problem this year, too."
The departure of Jared Sullinger this past summer has left the Celtics a gaping hole at the rebounding department, which makes trading for a big man who can crash the boards a viable option for the team. According to Ryan Bernardoni of the Celtics Hub, Mavs center Andrew Bogut could be an ideal trade target for the Celtics.
"The Mavs are bad and Andrew Bogut is 31 years old and on an expiring contract. He's an elite defensive center and rebounder who could play with any of the Celtics' bigs in traditional line-ups or as the anchor for smaller bench units," Bernardoni wrote.
In Bernardoni's trade scenario, the Celtics would acquire Bogut from the Mavs at the expense of Tyler Zeller and either Minnesota Timberwolves' 2017 second round pick or a future first-rounder from the Clippers.
Bogut's ability to secure the boards and protect the rim has been critical to the Golden State Warriors' success in the past season and such abilities could also be essential for the Celtics. Acquiring Bogut would also allow Horford to play his natural position at the four spot, while focusing on the offensive end.
However, Bogut's expiring contract suggests he would likely be a rental for the Celtics this season, although it could also play as a factor for the Mavs to let go of the one-time NBA champ.
If the Celtics would consider the proposed deal, it would have to wait until January 15, when Zeller is eligible to get traded. Zeller would give Dallas a young center, who could be vital in the Mavs' rebuild.
Whether the Celtics would show genuine interest in adding Bogut remains to be seen, but the need for a rebounding and defensive center could open possibilities for a potential deal with the Mavs.
Video courtesy: The Pick and Roll