Veteran center Andrew Bogut has chosen to join the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bogut’s agent, David Bauman of ISE, told The Associated Press on Tuesday night that Bogut plans to sign with the Cavaliers as soon as he clears waivers. Bauman anticipates that Bogut will join the defending NBA champions by this weekend.
Bogut was traded at the deadline from Dallas to Philadelphia in a deal that brought Nerlens Noel to the Mavericks. He and the 76ers agreed to part ways so Bogut could join a contender, and he had several teams lining up to add the defensive-minded center.
To make room for Bogut, the Cavs will reportedly waive backup guard Jordan McRae, reports ESPN.com’s Dave McMenamin. Bogut will not join the Cavs in time for Wednesday’s game in Boston against the Celtics (8 ET, ESPN).
A team source tells ESPN the Cavs will waive Jordan McRae to create a roster spot to sign Andrew Bogut. He will not be w/ CLE for BOS game
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 1, 2017
Bauman says the decision was “a lot harder than Bogut anticipated.” Bogut has already informed Cleveland, Boston, San Antonio and Houston of his decision.
A rugged defender in his 12th NBA season, Bogut follows Deron Williams, who signed with the Cavaliers after he was waived by the Mavericks.
Bogut spent his first seven seasons with the Bucks before joining the Warriors in 2012. He spent four seasons with the Warriors, helping them win the 2014-15 championship, until traded him to Dallas last summer to free up cap space to sign Kevin Durant.
Bogut, 32, averaged 3.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in 26 games with the Mavericks before he was included in a package to acquire Nerlens Noel from Philadelphia.
