Andrew Bogut (Photo : Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers could be a potential destination for Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut, turning an old adversary into a defensive anchor for the defending champs.
The Cavs are looking to add a backup point guard, according to the team's general manager David Griffin, in hopes of taking some pressure off top playmakers like Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. But finding a veteran PG may not be the only void Cleveland needs to address.
Despite their immense talent on both ends of the floor, the Cavs still lacks a frontcourt piece who could boost the team's interior defense. Chris Andersen was supposed to help shore up that area, but after suffering a season-ending injury, there's a big need for the Cavs to acquire a big man, who can defend, pass and score.
According to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, one of the ideal trade targets the Cavs could look into is Mavs center Andrew Bogut, who is playing the final year of his $36 million contract.
"Bogut is slated for free agency at season's end and doesn't envision a long future with the Dallas Mavericks. The former No. 1 pick could fill two needs at once for the Cavs, as both a premier paint protector and expert passer for his position," Buckley wrote.
Bogut's sheer ability to dominate the defensive end makes him a perfect fit for the Cavs just as he was back then with the Golden State Warriors. The 32-year-old center also has a knack to make plays for teammates and can score on some occasions when needed to.
Playing alongside a talented team like the Cavs would give Bogut another opportunity to return to the Finals and could potentially meet his former teammates in Golden State.
The Mavs have yet to make Bogut available for potential deals, but the Aussie center is in the final year of his contract and is impending free agency could trigger Dallas to consider moving him before the February 23 trade deadline. It is also unclear what the Mavs would want in return should they decide on trading Bogut. But according to CBS Sports' James Herbert, the Cavs should trade for Bogut even if it would cost them a key player down the rotation.
"When Timofey Mozgov went to Hollywood, [the Cavs] lost their ability to super-size their frontcourt," Herbert wrote. "If the Mavs were interested in, say, Iman Shumpert and a pick, then they should do it."
It remains to be seen whether the Cavs would consider Bogut before the deadline next month, much less gunning for a center instead of a backup playmaker. But if the Cavs want to defend their title and repeat as NBA champs, it is a deal worth exploring even if it could turn out as a mid-season rental.
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