The NBA Trade deadline may be over, but that doesn’t mean shocking transfers are not in order within the league. With teams reinforcing their rosters for a chance at the Larry O’Brien trophy, the defending champions proved no different. Earlier reports have confirmed that the Cleveland Cavaliers are signing the services of a new big man — Andrew Bogut.
According to Marc Stein of the ESPN, the 32-year-old big man has agreed to terms with the team and is scheduled to sign a contract this weekend.
"Andrew Bogut had committed tonight to sign with Cleveland this weekend, according to league sources," Stein confirmed on his Twitter.
His agent, David Baumer, also confirmed the decision to ESPN, revealing that it was not an easy decision for Bogut. The Celtics, Spurs, and Rockets all had their eyes on the 2011 NBA Blocks leader. However, “Cleveland just feels right."
Andrew Bogut trade will make LeBron James happy
The Australian center’s fate with the Dallas Mavericks has always been in question throughout the year. Bogut’s numbers have dwindled since being traded by the Golden State Warriors during the offseason. He has also been plagued with injuries which have affected his output, only playing 29 games this season. The former first overall pick is averaging a lowly 3.0 points per game with 1.0 blocks and 8.3 rebounds.
The Andrew Bogut trade will benefit the Cavaliers, however, as the team aims to strengthen its bench leading to the playoffs.
LeBron James has repeatedly said that the Cavs need more than a few strong players to capture the championship again. In a post-game interview last January, LBJ revealed that the champs are not as good as last year.
"We're not better than last year,” James said, as reported by ESPN. “We're a top-heavy team. We have a top-heavy team.
We top-heavy as s---. It's me, [Kyrie Irving], [Kevin Love]. It's top-heavy."
With Bogut and Deron Williams as the team’s new signees, the King should be happy with the Cavs’ roster depth now.
NBA Finals 2017: Cavaliers vs Warriors
NBA fans are clearly aware that the Andrew Bogut Cavaliers team-up is more interesting than any NBA trade so far.
The Australian was among the core players of the Golden State Warriors when they faced the Cavaliers in the Finals the past two seasons. Bogut also earned his first championship with GSW.
Joining the Cavs would mean him facing his previous team in a possible Finals showdown for the third consecutive year. With the standings of both teams in the East and West, it looks like a third faceoff is set. And should a Cavs vs GSW championship push through, it will be Bogut’s third consecutive Finals appearance — twice with the Warriors, and his first with the Cavaliers.
Definitely, Andrew Bogut’s decision has made the NBA sphere just a bit more exciting and intriguing!