Just weeks before the 2010 playoffs, Andrew Bogut was playing the best basketball of his career and, along with a rookie named Brandon Jennings, appeared to be leading Milwaukee back toward basketball relevance. Then came the injury. We’ve all seen it: Bogut elevates for a fast break dunk, receives a little tap from behind courtesy of Amare Stoudemire, and lands awkwardly on his arm, resulting in a gruesome elbow contortion. Since that night, the former number one overall pick has not been the same. Last season, his numbers took a slight dip as he struggled to regain confidence in the elbow (as evidenced by a nineteen percent decrease in FT percentage), but steadily improved as the year wore on. This year, however, the Australian-born big man has played in just twelve games and is currently nursing an ankle injury that is likely to keep him out for the remainder of the regular season. So, the Bucks are faced with a decision: do they shop the 27-year-old? Or keep him in hopes he’ll regain his once-productive form?
Either way, there will be consequences. Bogut is a fan-favorite in Milwaukee, even going as far as to buy out an entire section of season tickets in the lower bowl and giving them to the 50-or-so rowdiest fans he selects via American Idol-style tryouts. The gang, known as “Squad 6” shows up decked out head to toe in Bucks gear to every home game and would certainly be devastated if their hero was traded. However, the NBA is a business and while the Bucks certainly don’t want to rub fans the wrong way, decisions must be made in the best interest of the team. Keeping Bogut would be a considerable risk, taking into account his injury history, but if no offers appease Milwaukee’s brass, they certainly won’t be disappointed to have him on the roster.
Reports indicate several teams are showing interest in Bogut, as well as Brandon Jennings, with the most likely candidate being Golden State. Rumor has it the Warriors would be willing to part with some young pieces, including Ekpe Udoh and Dorell Wright among others, in exchange for Bogut. However, the Bucks have seemingly made it clear that any deal for Bogut will include Stephen Jackson, whose large contract and questionable attitude may ward many organizations off. Another rumored trade partner is the Boston Celtics, who have yet to find a center to replace Kendrick Perkins following his departure last season. While Boston lacks the breadth of young talent the other teams can offer, several players on the roster may intrigue the Bucks, such as Avery Bradley and Jeff Green. There have also been rumors that Boston has all but abandoned the thought that their current roster can contend for a title, and would be willing to part with Ray Allen or Kevin Garnett. It would certainly be interesting to see if Allen would return to Milwaukee, where he enjoyed much success, in a potential Bogut deal.
It’s worth reiterating that this is all rumor-based and none of these deals have even been officially discussed, but there is certainly some interest in Bogut amongst NBA teams. Houston is another team rumored to be searching for a starting center, having discussed trades with Los Angeles involving both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. If they are unable to obtain either, which appears increasingly likely, Bogut could be next on their list. The Rockets could offer intriguing young players such as Kevin Martin, Courtney Lee, Jordan Hill and Patrick Patterson who the Bucks may be interested in obtaining. Houston may also consider taking on Stephen Jackson (a Houston native) in hopes that playing in front of a home crowd would rejuvenate his career.
With Thursday’s trade deadline fast approaching, any deals for the Bucks’ big man will have to materialize quickly. Losing Bogut would definitely be a hit to the city of Milwaukee, but could ultimately net the Bucks some young talent to help persuade Brandon Jennings into sticking around past this season. Personally, as a Bucks fan, I’m in the “trade him” camp for exactly that reason. There is no way Jennings re-signs with Milwaukee next season if the roster looks like it does now. He’s undoubtedly going to have offers from teams in more attractive markets and with more talented rosters. Plus, Bogut is not one of those players you’re reluctant to part with because you fear he could blow up and come back to haunt you (i.e. T-Mac leaving the Raptors for Orlando). We know Bogut’s ceiling. He’s is not, and never will be, Pau Gasol or Dwight Howard; but, when healthy, he can be a very productive center capable of affecting the game on both ends of the court. While these are rare in today’s fast-paced NBA, the chance for a sub .500 squad to gain some promising young talent and unload a bad locker room influence is too valuable to keep an injury-prone Bogut around.