Andrew Bogut is key to the Dallas Mavericks Future
Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut is key to the franchise next couple years, as the Mavs must decide whether to look towards the future or fix what is left of the season?
NBC Sports reports that as of late, the Boston Celtics have expressed interest in Dallas Mavericks big men Andrew Bogut. Rumors report that as of late, Boston may not be the only team vying for Bogut’s presence.
ESPN reports that several sources are stating that the Mavericks have a high possibility of getting a first round draft pick from a contender if they were to trade away their starting center.
As of now, Dallas has no intention of getting rid of Bogut, but things could change down the road.
We break down the pros and cons of the Mavs getting rid of Bogut:
Pros:
Trading away Andrew Bogut would give the Mavs multiple first round draft picks. The last time Dallas snatched two rookies dates back to 2003 when the team drafted Josh Howard and picked up then-rookie Marquies Daniels. All of the NBA remembers the contribution both players had for the team. Drafting two first rounders would help add to the youth the Mavericks have incorporated this season. Rick Carlisle is great at developing young players and this could be key in “Trusting the System.”
Andrew Bogut is currently in the final year of his three year 36 million dollar contracted that he signed with the Golden State Warriors. Getting rid of Bogut would be smart financially because the team would shed the current contract he is under, plus they would be saving money they could spend in free-agency this upcoming summer. Also, there is no guarantee the veteran center would be back for Dallas next year.
It is unlikely the Dallas Mavericks will make the playoffs this upcoming year and with the direction they are heading, trading away Bogut would be the smart move financially and smart in terms of player development.
Cons
Trading away Bogut could be a bad move right now! Dwight Powell and Salah Mejri are not ready to step into a starting role position. Currently, Powell is averaging 4.8 rebounds, while Mejri is averaging is 3.7 a game. Both numbers come no where near Boguts’ season average of 10.6 rebounds. Boguts presencs is felt on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and giving him away would hurt the Mavs defensively.
If Dallas does decide to trade Bogut, the team is basically waving bye to any glimpse or hope they have of making the playoffs this season. The Dallas Mavericks are a team not known for throwing in the towel early in the season and it would hurt the image of the team, as they have been true contenders in the NBA for quite some time now. While the list is small, there are plenty of teams who have started the season with a record of 5-15 or worse and still made the playoffs that year. Knowing Mark Cuban, giving up is something the Dallas owner is not accustomed to. Plus, if Dirk were to come back, anything is possible.
Andrew Bogut is just 32 and could have a couple more years left in the NBA. Keeping Bogut in Dallas gives the team a chance to see if they are interested in bringing back the big man. The Mavericks do not want to see another physical dominant center walk away, just like they did years ago. The starting center position is hard to come by in the NBA.
Next: Dallas Mavericks: December Outlook
The Dallas Mavericks have until February to decide if they want to put Andrew Bogut on the trading block. The team’s decision will base solely on the upcoming tow to three months play out. Whatever decision Dallas makes, they have plenty of options to weigh out.