Cleveland, Ohio: The Cavaliers have a commanding lead over other teams in the Eastern Conference on their quest to defend their first NBA title. They have recently made a big trade move that sends elite Sharp Shooter, Kyle Korver, their way but could still be looking for ways to bolster their already stacked roster.
While LeBron James made it clear that he wants the Cavalier Management to sign or trade for a veteran point guard to back-up Kyrie Irving, the Cavs may decide to go in another direction. With Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson not being a true rim protector and Chris Andersen out for the season with an ACL injury, the Cavs are also in need of a utility big-man.
Andrew Bogut, a former #1 draft pick, was one of the casualties from the Kevin Durant signing in Golden State is not having a particularly good year. According to Basketball Reference, Bogut is coming off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 3 points (a career low) and 9.1 rebounds (career average) per game.
Bogut was a key piece when Golden State won the title 2 years ago and his injury last season certainly hurt the Warriors. As arbitrary as it may seem, the Warriors were 3-1 against the Cavs before Bogut got injured in Game 5. After he went out, the Cavs went on to win the game, the following 2 games, and their recent Christmas Day matchup. This brings the Warrior's record to 0-4 since losing Bogut. (Statistics from Vice Sports.)
The Mavs are tied for dead last in the Western Conference and with Bogut becoming a free-agent at the end of the current season, he may decide to jump ship. Bogut told ESPN in an interview that "I don't see yself hanging around with everything that's gone on. It will be an interesting six months ahead." Instead of risking losing Bogut for nothing, the Mavs may decide to trade him at the last minute.
This is something the Cavaliers can decide to take advantage of as the Mavs may be willing to let Bogut go for future draft picks or some players the Cavaliers can afford to let go. Surely signing an experienced post player who can rebound, pass and protect the rim would help LeBron and the Cavaliers repeat as NBA Champions.
