NBA Rumors: Warriors trading Andrew Bogut to Mavericks

In order to create enough cap space to complete the biggest move of NBA free agency and sign Kevin Durant, the Golden State Warriors have agree to trade Andrew Bogut to the Dallas Mavericks.

What a day it’s been for NBA fans. So much for July 4th; it’s been Kevin Durant day. After agreeing to sign with the Golden State Warriors, the landscape of the league has changed. The Oklahoma City Thunder lost their former MVP and may listen to offers for Russell Westbrook if they’re can’t extend his contract this summer, meanwhile the 73-9 Warriors are laughing about forming the most overpowered offensive lineup in history.

So, yeah, today’s been pretty good for Golden State. They even kept Shaun Livingston by picking up his team option of only $5.8 million for 2016-17, too. But to make the acquisition of Durant possible, other moves need to take place to create enough cap room, including the trading of Andrew Bogut.

ESPN’s Marc Stein has reported that the Dallas Mavericks, after missing out on Dwight Howard, Hassan Whiteside and keeping Chandler Parsons, have agreed to a trade.

All the components of the deal aren’t clear yet. What the Warriors will get in return is unknown and whether anything else will head to Dallas in exchange for them taking on Bogut’s $11 million salary is also unclear.

At 31, Bogut isn’t in his prime, he’s had injury concerns before, and he may not be the most explosive center in the NBA, but he’s surprisingly mobile and athletic for his size and he’s one of the best interior defenders in the game. He averaged 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes this season, and with the Mavs in such desperate need of a center after missing out on their top two options, Bogut’s rim protection, rebounding, high IQ, and impressive passing will be extremely valued.

To continue the Warriors’ clearance of cap space, Harrison Barnes is obviously on his way out, too. With Durant, there’s no need for him and yet again, it’s the Mavs and a desperate Mark Cuban who are helping out.

Barnes is one of the biggest benefactors of the rising salary cap and being a versatile combo forward at just the right time, when talented “3-and-D” wings are more sought after than ever. While he hasn’t done enough to prove he’s worth $94 million, Dallas will be hoping that he flourishes with more offensive responsibility and shows he can be a star caliber player, at least to them.

Meanwhile in Golden State, the Warriors and the Bay Area are rejoicing with a slightly better small forward.

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