NBA Trade Rumors: Bogut Headed to Trail Blazers, George to Pistons

By Neal A. Lasta, CP Contributor Saturday, December 10, 2016

NBA trade rumors continue to roll as the 2016-17 NBA season progresses. There have been several interesting trade scenarios involving multiple players and super stars. Here are some of the latest.

1. Andrew Bogut to Portland Trail Blazers

The Golden State Warriors had to trade Andrew Bogut to get Kevin Durant to sign with them last July. Bogut was offered to go to either the Houston Rockets or the Dallas Mavericks, and he chose the latter.

The Mavericks currently have a standing of 5 wins and 17 losses, the worst record of the Western Conference. Their last game was a win against the Indiana Pacers, with a final score of 103-111.

An Andrew Bogut trade may be a reasonable option for the Mavericks, especially since he will become a free agent after this season. Two teams that expressed interest to trade for the big man are the Boston Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers.

According to CBS Sports, the Trail Blazers needs Andrew Bogut's skill set more than any other team. The Blazers are currently 29^{th in terms of defensive rating, and they aren't so good in rebounding as well. Bogut can be of great help in those areas.}

Bogut also has a lot of experience setting up screens for Thompson and Curry during his Warriors days, and this skill will help Portland's talented guards get open too. C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard will enjoy shooting open all day with Bogut in the roster.

The Blazers currently have a standing of 12-12, sitting on the 8^{th rank in the Eastern Conference. The team had a great run during last season's playoffs, making it to the second round.}

2. Paul George to Detroit Pistons

According to Yahoo Sports, one trade rumor involves Monta Ellis and Paul George heading to the Detroit Pistons, in exchange for Stanley Johnson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Tobias Harris and 31^{st round draft picks.}

Clearly, that's a lot of players given up by the Pistons to get two stars. Although the Pistons have their own star in Andre Drummond, Paul George can definitely generate more hype for the team, especially since the Pistons would soon move from Auburn Hills to downtown.

Paul George is averaging 20.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game this season. At only 26 years old, he has a lot of room to grown. Playing with veteran point guard Reggie Jackson would help him get more looks on offense.

The Pacers could also arguably benefit from this trade, at least on the long term. This big trade would allow Indiana to fully revamp its lineup, and despite early growing pains, it will help give the team a fresh start.