Andrew Bogut (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors should consider trading for Andrew Bogut, who could be on the trading block before the February deadline.
Bogut could be among the list of big men available in the trade market, with the Dallas Mavericks looking at the possibility of moving the one-time NBA champ. According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, while there is no immediate intentions for the Mavs to move Bogut, it could change once the team gets a clear picture of their fate for this season.
"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."
CNS New England A. Sherrod Blakely reported that the Boston Celtics could be in pursuit of Bogut, with the team looking to shore up their interior defense. But other teams like the Toronto Raptors should also be interested in acquiring Bogut's services.
The Raptors are steadily on pace for another playoff run, with the team sitting behind the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East rankings. But the absence of a defensive big man is hurting the team to win against powerhouse teams, with Toronto allowing 102.8 opponent's points a game, including 42.1 points allowed inside the paint.
Adding Bogut would give the Raptors a big man who can protect the rim and clog the driving lane. With Bogut on board, it would allow Jonas Valanciunas to focus more on the offensive end, creating a fire and ice frontcourt tandem for the Raptors.
Trading for Bogut won't cost the Raptors much, especially with the veteran center set to be sidelined for 2-6 weeks after suffering a hyperextended knee in the Mavs' loss to the Hornets on Monday. But if Dallas would decide on trading Bogut, any potential deal would likely a draft pick in return, reports MacMahon.
"Several league sources believe the Mavs could get a first-round pick from a playoff team -- plus whatever player(s) necessary to make the salaries work -- in return for a healthy Bogut," MacMahon wrote.
The Raptors could send Jakob Poeltl and Terrence Ross to the Mavs for Bogut in a deal that works on ESPN's trade machine. Poeltl and Ross would give the Mavs young talents for the team's rebuild, which is likely to happen, with Dallas on course for a disappointing season.
Whether the Raptors would consider trading for Bogut remains to be seen, but it is a deal worth exploring, especially if Toronto plans to repeat another impressive postseason run.
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