Report: Andrew Bogut Chose Dallas Over Houston

Andrew Bogut was shed to the Dallas Mavericks to make room for Kevin Durant, but did he choose to go to Dallas?

From the beginning of the Durant-to-Golden State rumors, the plan for the Warriors to bring in Durant was quite simple; renounce the rights to their free agents and trade either Andrew Bogut or Andre Iguodala.

When free agency started and Kevin Durant set his meetings up in the Hamptons, it became quite clear who the odd man out would be on the trade market based off who was attending the free agent meeting. Joining Golden State’s entourage, was Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green , AND Andre Iguodala.

This obviously meant Andrew Bogut would be the one traded if Durant did choose Golden State.

A few days later Durant obviously picked the Warriors as his next team and everything was put into motion. Golden State renounced the rights to all of their free agents, including Harrison Barnes, and began shopping Andrew Bogut.

Harrison Barnes came to terms on a max contract from the Dallas Mavericks and suddenly Dallas came up as a natural fit for Barnes’ championship teammate, Andrew Bogut.

Dallas made the call, Golden State agreed to the deal, and Bogut was joining his teammate Barnes in Dallas. But did he choose to go there?

According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Bogut chose Dallas over the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers.

“The Warriors gave Andrew Bogut the option of choosing between Dallas and Houston as his trade destination, according to league sources. The Rockets were willing to make the same deal that the Mavs made to get the big man from Golden State. Philadelphia also showed heavy interest, but the Warriors felt they owed it to Bogut to send him to a team with realistic playoff hopes.”

First off, what a classy move by the Golden State Warriors. They could have shipped him to the highest bidder to get more in return (especially from Philadelphia), but instead, wanted to help their big man in any way they could.

Second, what a commitment from Bogut in Dallas. Houston is just a year removed from being in the Western Conference Finals and have one of the top 10 players in the league in James Harden, but he chose Dallas instead.

You have to think that getting Harrison Barnes in Dallas helped the Bogut decision also. Remaining  with one of his friends from their championship run probably played some sort of role in his thought process.

Next: Did the Kevin Durant Rumors Affect Harrison Barnes?

Now Dallas gets not only a starting quality big man who is motivated after being dumped off, but they get a big man who CHOSE to play for their team. I expect a solid season from Bogut in the middle.