Warriors make cap space on Bogut deal
Adding Kevin Durant will give the Golden State Warriors a strong chance to chase another NBA title and perhaps more.
However, the Warriors will have to move players from an already impressive roster to make room for Durant.
It begins with Andrew Bogut, who reportedly is headed to the Dallas Mavericks from Golden State.
A person with knowledge of the deal said yesterday that the Mavericks have agreed to acquire Bogut with the Warriors trying to clear salary cap space so they can add the four-time scoring champion Durant to the Splash Brothers duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
Before Durant announced his move, Bogut removed all references to the Warriors from his Twitter page, which afterward featured a photo of the 7-footer in an Australia jersey.
According to sources, the Mavericks also are set to sign Harrison Barnes, who will become an unrestricted free agent after Golden State renounces his rights to clear enough cap room to sign Durant.
The Mavericks had informed Barnes they would him extend him an offer sheet as a restricted free agent, but now the sides have agreed to a maximum contract and Dallas will sign Barnes to a four-year, $94 million deal as early Thursday when contracts can be finalized.
Without Bogut, the Warriors needed to fill the pivot and reached a one-year deal with unrestricted free agent center Zaza Pachulia. He spent last season with Dallas, averaging 8.6 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Dallas also brought back point guard Deron Williams for a second season with his hometown team.
Bogut will get $11 million in the final year of his deal, and Williams has agreed to a oneyear, $10 million contract. Those moves will give the Mavericks more flexibility next summer with expected strong classes in free agency and the draft.
Gasol set to join Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs agreed to a two-year deal with Pau Gasol.
The deal is worth more than $30 million and final terms will be completed after the Spurs make a move or two to create the necessary cap space.
Gasol spent the last two seasons in Chicago and averaged 16.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists this year, his game showing few signs of aging even as he prepares to turn 36 tomorrow.
Heat offer Wade $40M
A person with knowledge of the situation says Dwyane Wade has been offered a two-year, $40 million deal to remain with the Miami Heat. The person says the second year would be at Wade’s option. The contract, if accepted, would essentially match the career-best $20 million salary he made this past season. . . .
The Los Angeles Clippers reportedly agreed to a two-year, $4.5 million contract with Luc Mbah a Moute.