The New York Knicks could be among the teams interested in trading for Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut.
The Knicks could be one of the teams keeping tabs on available players in the trade market. Just 24 games into the regular season, the Knicks have already positioned themselves in the safe zone of the Eastern Conference standings. However, any letdown could still derail their hopes of entering the playoff picture.
With limited tradable assets, the Knicks could only afford to make small changes on their roster. One name to monitor, according to Daily Knicks writer Maxwell Ogden, is Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut.
Trading for Bogut would create a logjam at the frontcourt for the Knicks, but as Ogden noted, if the Boston Celtics are truly interested in acquiring the one-time NBA champ, New York should also make a move to trade for the 7-foot Aussie.
"If Bogut were traded to an Atlantic Division team, the Knicks would be forced to gameplan for him on a relatively consistent basis. Attacking the rim would become far more difficult and Bogut's offensive presence would help halfcourt-based teams," Ogden wrote.
"Bogut likely won't be traded in December due to his current injury, but his expiring contract is a prime candidate to be moved-and the Knicks should care where he ends up."
The Mavs are reportedly considering to move Bogut, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, with Dallas on course for a dismal season. Despite Bogut's limited minutes in Dallas, the demand for a defensive big man has seen him a potential target for teams like the Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers, who are also looking to shore up their interior defense.
There are concerns about Noah becoming a buyer's remorse for the Knicks, with the All-Star center still underperforming for his new team. The addition of Noah was supposed to shore up the Knicks' defense, but the Knicks are only 18th in the league in defensive efficiency, while allowing 107.1 opponent's points per game, including 44.2 points allowed inside the paint.
Adding Bogut would help the Knicks improve their interior defense, while adding a solid rebounder off the bench. With Noah struggling to find his niche in New York, Bogut could become a viable alternative at the five spot, forming a formidable frontcourt with Kristaps Porzingis.
However, trading for Bogut would likely require the Knicks to give up a young talent or a future draft pick, with the Mavs bound for a rebuild. Nevertheless, it is a move worth considering for the Knicks if they are serious about competing in the postseason.
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