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NBA Trade Rumors 2012: Washington Wizards Expressing Interest In Andrew Bogut, According To Report

By Mike Prada

You up for a crazy NBA trade rumor? Perfect! What do you think about the Washington Wizards trading for Andrew Bogut? Take it away, Marc Stein.

Sources say that the Washington Wizards are among the teams to express the strongest interest in Bogut, which might be another indication that the Wiz are prepared to part with the enigmatic JaVale McGee, if not before the deadline than during the offseason.

Now, as most of you know, I'm open to pretty much any possibility that doesn't involve McGee as the Wizards' starting center next year. But this one doesn't do much for me. Here's why I'm not in favor.

  1. The Bucks' asking price seems high: Stein reports that the Bucks are asking anyone acquiring Bogut to take on Stephen Jackson as well. Jackson is guaranteed to be paid over $10 million next year, and it's also guaranteed that he'll sulk through a rebuilding effort. Even if the trade is really as simple as this, that's a lot of money coming back to guys with major question marks.
  2. Bogut simply isn't healthy: In 2009-10, Bogut was probably the second-best center in the NBA. When he plays, he's an unbelievable defensive player, an underrated post player and a outstanding rebounder. When I talk about your center being your most intelligent guy on the court, that describes Bogut to a T. But that was two years ago. Since suffering that ghastly injury at the end of that year, Bogut's offensive game has completely disappeared and he hasn't been able to stay on the court. He missed 17 games last year and played hurt through many more, to the point where he was ineffective. This year, he's played just 12 games. Prior to his breakout year, he also had an injury history. That's a problem given his salary, which is more than fair for a player of his caliber if he's healthy, but an albatross if he's not.
  3. That's a lot of long-term money to take on: Would you rather pay McGee a five-year, $52 million deal four-year, $44 million deal or pay Bogut a two-year, $27 million deal and Stephen Jackson a one-year, $10 million? At least there's a chance McGee lives up to his contract.
All this is before we even consider the possibility of the Wizards giving up young assets for Bogut. Bottom line: it's nice to kick tires just to see how healthy Bogut could be, but there are better options available this summer.