Source: Warriors set to sign Bogut for stretch run
Steve Kerr and Kevin Durant weigh in on the possibility of Andrew Bogut rejoining the Warriors. (0:26)
The Golden State Warriors expect to sign their former center Andrew Bogut soon, a source told ESPN, although there are formalities that have to be completed before a contract can be signed.
Bogut has to obtain a work visa and get clearance from FIBA before he can sign a contract for the remainder of the season. Bogut completed his season with the Sydney Kings of Australia’s National Basketball League on Sunday. A source said Bogut is expected to get FIBA clearance this week, but the work visa could take seven to 10 days to arrive.
A source said Warriors assistant general manager Larry Harris, who drafted Bogut first overall as general manager of the Bucks in 2005, recently went to Australia to visit Bogut and watch him play.
Andrew Gaze says Andrew Bogut’s return to the NBA was always going to happen and he is just grateful the star centre gave the Kings his all.
Warriors star Kevin Durant expressed confidence Monday that Kyrie Irving and the Celtics will get things rolling again soon.
Bogut, 34, first joined the Warriors for the 2012-13 season and started 230 regular-season games over a four-year span. He was a member of Golden State’s 2015 championship team.
Coach Steve Kerr said Monday the Warriors have been talking with Bogut about bringing him back to the team, but noted that the deal is still not done.
“I’m not going to go into kind of our needs and all that,” Kerr said after Monday’s practice. “Just cut right to the chase and tell you that we have been talking to Bogut and his representatives and nothing is official. And there’s things that have to happen and we can’t really comment on it until it’s official. The other question [about how he fits] I’ll answer at the appropriate time.”
Warriors star Kevin Durant noted that he has confidence in whomever the Warriors’ front office decides to bring in to fill the final roster spot.
“We trust whoever they bring in as long as he do his job,” Durant said. “I’m sure [Bogut’s] going to add a little bit of knowledge and wisdom because he’s been a part of the system before. We’re looking forward to having him on the team.”
ESPN’s Nick Friedell contributed to this report.