Speculation is mounting that Australian NBA star Andrew Bogut is about to be traded, with title contenders the Boston Celtics a favoured destination.
With the NBA trade deadline looming on Thursday (Friday AEDT), Bogut and teammate Deron Williams were excused from training with the struggling Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.
"With the trade deadline tomorrow, you can read a lot into that," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told reporters.
Bogut has been widely linked to a move to the Celtics.
A 32-year-old elite rebounder and defender, former No.1 draft pick Bogut is on a one-season deal in Dallas, following several seasons, including a championship title, with Golden State Warriors.
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If he were to go to Boston, Bogut would be joining a team running second in the eastern conference (37-20), behind only the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Mavericks are languishing in 12th spot in the Western conference with a 22-34 record with the league set to resume following the All-Star break.
