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NBA: Teams That Should Trade For Marcin Gortat

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 8, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 112-99. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 112-99. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Stephen Curry (30) and center Andrew Bogut (12) react during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game six of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Stephen Curry (30) and center Andrew Bogut (12) react during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game six of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors need to come back stronger than ever before. Despite failing to win the 2016 NBA championship, the Warriors will have the ultimate target on their backs as the team that’s gone 140-24 over the past two seasons.

In order to withstand the impending onslaught, Golden State will need to improve at the position that clearly still matters: center.

Andrew Bogut has done an excellent job of protecting the rim, but his offensive and physical limitations have reared their ugly head. Marcin Gortat isn’t exactly Channing Frye, but he’s a much better fit as a pick-and-roll finisher who can consistent convert from midrange.

Defensively, Gortat would provide the toughness and physicality that Golden State lacked after Bogut suffered a series-ending knee injury in the 2016 NBA Finals.

With Bogut’s injury history becoming a factor again, Gortat would be the perfect replacement. The Warriors may have to give up a valuable asset in a trade, but Bogut’s expiring contract could likely be enough to bring the Wizards to the negotiating table.

Gortat could prove to be the missing piece for the Warriors’ 2016-17 championship pursuit.

must read: Teams that should trade for Nikola Vucevic

May the odds be in the favor of the bold and willing.