The Portland Trail Blazers could be one of the potential landing spots for Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut.
Bogut has emerged as one of the players likely to get traded before the deadline, with the Mavs considering on moving the one-time NBA champ. ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that while there is no immediate intentions from Dallas to trade Bogut, it could be possible once the team gets a clearer picture whether they will make the postseason or not.
"Sources tell ESPN that Mavs have no immediate intention to shop C Andrew Bogut, as their focus for now is trying to salvage their season," MacMahon wrote.
"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."
Considering the Mavs early season woes, it is unlikely the reach the playoffs, much less compete for a spot. With several teams looking for a defensive big man, it won't be difficult for the Mavs to find a trade partner for Bogut's expiring contract. According to Ti Windisch of Hoops Habit, the Portland Trail Blazers could be one of the possible destinations for the one-time NBA champ.
"Think of how useful Bogut would be to the Portland Trail Blazers, who are getting gashed on defense (Portland currently ranks last among NBA teams in defensive rating) because they have two small guards up front in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum," Windisch wrote.
Bogut's presence would do wonders for a Blazers team that is sixth worst in the league in Defensive Rating with 114.0. Before getting sidelined by a knee injury, Bogut is averaging 10.4 rebounds a game, which could also be a tremendous help for Portland in second chance points.
Any potential deal would require the Blazers to give up one of their young assets to help in Mavs' rebuild. A package of Ed Davis, Noah Vonleh and Shabazz Napier works in ESPN's trade machine, although Dallas could also ask for deals involving a future draft pick.
It is unclear whether the Blazers have real interest in trading for Bogut, but with plenty of assets at their disposal, Portland could facilitate a deal with the Mavs before the trade deadline.
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