10:32am: The Warriors plan to sign Bogut for the rest of the season once he receives clearance from the Sydney Kings, league sources tell Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. That’s expected to happen within about 48 hours.
The Celtics were among the other teams with interest in Bogut, Haynes notes.
9:37am: The Warriors have emerged as the favorites to sign veteran center Andrew Bogut, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). According to Charania, Bogut’s representatives are working to get him clearance to sign in the NBA after he spent the season with Australia’s Sydney Kings.
Charania first reported on Sunday that Bogut was drawing interest from NBA teams, citing Golden State and Philadelphia as two clubs in the mix. While there are a handful of contenders that could use a big man like Bogut, the Warriors make a lot of sense — the former No. 1 overall pick previously spent four seasons with the Dubs from 2012-16, and the team currently has an open roster spot.
The Warriors had been hoping that an NBA center like Robin Lopez would shake free on the buyout market last month, but Bogut would be a pretty solid fallback option. He was named the MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year in Australia’s National Basketball League this season, as his 11.7 RPG and 2.7 BPG both led the league by a substantial margin.
If Bogut agrees to sign with Golden State, the team will be limited to offering the minimum salary. The Warriors already used their mid-level exception on DeMarcus Cousins, and the bi-annual exception isn’t available because they’re over the tax apron.
The exact value of a minimum salary deal for Bogut would depend on when he signs it. He’d be in line to earn a salary of $13,525 per day, with a cap hit of $8,546 per day for the club. The Dubs would also incur additional tax penalties based on the big man’s cap charge.
GSW need a back up in case Cousins gets hurt. When Jones went down a losing streak started immediately. They will need a big man against teams like Denver, Portland, or Utah. Kerr’s small lineup is not as productive as it used to be.
Looney is a better player than no but, anytime, anyday! just another over hyped big guy that has nothing to prove his #1 draft pick except being on the warriors when they won the total, which they would have done without him…
Looney’s a better one-on-one Defender but Bogut is a better help Defender and can block shots. Looney’s not a shot blocker. Bogets a better passer but Looney might score a little more cuz he’s a little more athletic and can run the floor. Bogut is a good signing definitely.
Not true. When Bogut went down in the finals Cavs were able to go inside and beat GSW. Look at the west. Utah, Denver, Portland all have big centers that can dominate a small lineup. Cousins fouls out a lot so its better to have a extra big man to guard the basket.
Completely agree with arc89
Yep. GSW just needs a big body in the key.
Lol again?
Centers get hurt. You need a couple of good ones just in case. Defend the middle and rebound. Can’t ask Draymond to do all that again by himself.
What are the Celtics doing? Ainge needs to be more aggressive to change the chemistry and bring in some leadership because this season is becoming a lost cause fast. The Celts may have been in the running for Bogut but Ainge telling the press that he’s happy with his team and saying there isn’t much playing time for anyone new isn’t helping.
They have Baynes who’s literally the same role as bogut and prob better.
Celtics fans will deserve it when Kyrie leaves for nothing.
Stick to baseball.
I think it is a big get. He only needs to play like 5-1O minutes a half or more if Boogie/Looney get in foul trouble. One way opponents will attack the Warriors is drive to the rim. In playoffs the game becomes more of a half court game. LeBron was great at this. The year he beat the Warriors that whole series turned when Boguts broke his leg in Game 3 (and Green’s suspension in G4). And, the opponent is successful if Warriors can’t protect the rim. Boguts only needs to rebound, block shots, and protect the rim.
Well said. People are overreacting.
He’s not being brought in as a 30 min center. Just adds a dimension to counter when teams try to go big.
Even if he’s mediocre at that role that’s all they need. Literally just someone who won’t get pushed out of the box.
rich keep getting richer – warriors needed to get toughen-up, esp against houston’s nene and manimal
This might be the year they lose before the finals.
Only Denver before the finals can beat them, in the finals Milwaukee & Philly can do it.
Denver LOL !!!!
No way anyone besides cesc himself liked that comment.
Or a fan of DEN, MIL, or PHL, must be at least a few out there.
I don’t think any team beats the Warriors four times in a series. This will be the year they look most vulnerable but the Warriors will turn it up in the playoffs.
Predict Bogut will be the main GSW pivot. He will get up to about 25′ a game by the finals. He is in good condition and can get stuff done without distraction.
Curry, Klay, Draymond, Durant can get the necessary points without Cousins. The rest can draw fouls.
Looney is hurting where he can’t afford to hurt.
Go ‘head, Mate! Sign mes up so I can add ‘nother ring to me hand! Cheers NBA!! Thanks!
Seriously, Boges only needs 15 minutes or so in a game to be effective. 2nd ring on it’s way!!
I was thinking Gortat but Bogut is better for them. He’ll be a big body in the paint there to pester some of these foolish bigs like Kanter.