Despite getting Al Horford, it seems the Boston Celtics are still lacking in terms of their defense. According to new reports, the team is looking to solve this issue by trading with the Dallas Mavericks Andrew Bogut.
For the Celtics, getting involved in trade rumors is nothing new. Ever since the offseason, the Boston franchise has always been reportedly in need for a new player who could boost its lineup.
This time, however, the need is real. Earlier this year, Horford became a free agent after spending a bulk of his career in the NBA with the Atlanta Falcons. As a center and power forward, the Celtics immediately signed him for four years, believing he would be able to serve as a pivotal defensive member of the squad.
However, as the Celtics went through the regular season, they soon realized that Horford is not the great defensive player they hoped him to be. Sure, Horford is still helping out in other aspects of the game, but he is not an effective blocker and rebounder.
As noted by CBS Sports, the Celtics are planning on taking advantage of the upcoming trade deadline by acquiring Bogut from the Mavericks. After seeing what he is capable of doing, especially during his time with the Golden State Warriors, it seems the Boston franchise is convinced that Bogut will be able to solve their defense problems.
Moving Bogut will also be good for the Dallas squad, especially now that they're not doing pretty well in the season. It also doesn't help that the athlete hyperextended his knee and could miss a chunk of the season, as reported by ESPN.
Despite the Celtics issues with Horford, he will not serve as the trade piece in acquiring Bogut. Aside from the restrictions in his contract, he still serves as a vital member of the squad. Instead, Boston will most likely turn to Terry Rozier or Kelly Olynyk in exchange for Bogut. The Celtics could also offer Amir Johnson since they already have Horford.
Any of these three players will be good for the Mavericks and can even strengthen their roster for a couple of more years.
