Since being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Philadelphia 76ers before Thursday’s trade deadline, Andrew Bogut knew his season would not end in Philadelphia. Many expected him to reach a buyout agreement in order to join a contender, similar to his Mavericks’ teammate Deron Williams. Some rumors had Bogut joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, but teams like the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Utah Jazz were all expected to pursue the veteran center.
While he hasn’t reached a buyout agreement yet, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon is reporting that once Bogut does reach the agreement with Philly, he is expected to sign a deal with the Cavs to play for the defending NBA Champions.
As many people know, Andrew Bogut was a member of the 2015 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors as well as the 2016 Warriors team that set a regular season record with 73 wins, but failed to win the NBA Championship as the Cavs ended their 52-year championship drought.
Bogut, a true seven foot rim protector and former number one overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, holds career averages of 10.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 29.4 minutes per game. The Warriors’ decision to sign Kevin Durant last summer meant Bogut and then-Warrior Harrison Barnes both had to go.
Although he has been a bit injury prone, there’s no question that Bogut’s presence on the floor is always felt with his hard screen-setting, defense at the rim, and his great court-vision for a seven-footer.
With Deron Williams on board and likely signing on with the Cavs on Monday, adding Bogut would be huge in the quest for repeating. Of course, the key is health, something the Cavs have struggled with this season.
