Now that Kevin Durant has been secured by the Golden State Warriors, the franchise has set its eyes on trading center Andrew Bogut. The Dallas Mavericks have “emerged as a strong potential trade destination,” per ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Sources say Dallas, furthermore, has emerged as a strong potential trade destination for Andrew Bogut, who the Warriors must now move.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 4, 2016
Immediately after Durant announced his decision, via The Players’ Tribune, to sign with the Warriors, Stein reported the team would be moving Bogut, who counts for $11 million against the cap.
In addition to the big cap number Bogut possesses, it seemed clear the Warriors were putting him on notice even before they landed Durant. The franchise selected center Damian Jones out of Vanderbilt in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft, a move that signaled Bogut was on his way out, regardless.
That said, there is no ill will present between the Australian center and the Warriors.
The Warriors love Bogut and, sources say, are inclined to try to send him to a destination he likes. Bogut and Barnes are also good pals
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 4, 2016
The “Barnes” Stein mentions here is none other than restricted free agent Harrison Barnes, who has agreed to a four-year deal worth $95 million with Dallas. The Warriors, having landed Durant, will certainly not match that offer. And it would be a natural fit to reunite the two players.
Durant signing with Golden State has created many ripples across the NBA landscape. Moving Bogut is just the fist of many dominoes that will fall.