Report: Celtics have interest in Andrew Bogut

Report: Celtics have interest in Andrew Bogut
WEEI

Ty Anderson

The Celtics had a seemingly loaded roster, but that most certainly changed when the Celtics shipped three bodies -- guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, and 2016 first-round pick Ante Zizic -- out to Cleveland in exchange for just Kyrie Irving.

Now, the Celtics have an open roster spot, and with limitless veteran options out there (so long as they sign for the veteran minimum for the cap-strapped Celtics). And one veteran that could interest them, according to the Boston Globe, is Andrew Bogut.

“A league source said Boston will not rush to fill the spot, and might even keep it open to maintain flexibility,” the Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach reported. “The Celtics this week have been in contact with representatives of several free agents. According to another league source, that group includes center Andrew Bogut, who considered signing with Boston last February before ultimately agreeing to a deal with the Cavaliers.”

As Himmelsbach mentioned, this would not be the first time that the Celtics have expressed interest in the 32-year-old Bogut, who was the starting center for the 73-win Warriors just two seasons ago, and spent last year split between the Mavericks and Cavaliers before breaking his leg not even a minute into his Cavs debut.

And now, with time to reflect on the opportunitiy that could present itself in Boston, Bogut’s interest may be greater.

“[Bogut]’s discussions with president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and coach Brad Stevens resonated,” Himmelsbach’s report noted. “And a source close to Bogut said he is very interested in joining Boston this summer and is expected to be fully healthy at the start of training camp.”

With Zizic gone, and without a pure center behind Aron Baynes, the Celtics clearly have a need for a rebounder to contribute. And that’s something that Bogut, who averaged 8.4 rebounds (6.2 defensive rebounds) in 22:24 minutes per night for the Mavs last season, could bring to the table if healthy and able to go.

In a 671-game career split between the Bucks, Warriors, Mavericks, and Cavaliers, the Australian-born Bogut has averaged 10 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest.

Other names already linked to the C's for that final roster spot include ex-Celtics Gerald Green and Tony Allen.
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Report: Andrew Bogut's camp had 'preliminary contact' with Celtics this week

CSNNE By CSN REPORT August 25, 2017 3:48 PM


Could center Andrew Bogut be a veteran option for the Celtics? He reached out to the C's this week, according to a Boston Globe report.

The Globe's Adam Himmelsbach reported that, according to a league source, a group of veteran options for the Celtics includes Bogut, the Australian 7-footer who turns 33 in November. He considered signing with Boston last February before signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bogut broke his leg in his first game with the Cavs and has been recovering this summer.

With the C's over the salary cap, the C's are allowed to offer a minimum-salary deal based on years of experience. That maxes out at $2.3 million for a player in the NBA for at least 10 seasons.

Himmelsbach mentions a return of Gerald Green or ex-Celtic defensive specialist Tony Allen as other possible veteran options.


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