Sydney Kings star Andrew Bogut could be set for a return to the NBA, sources have confirmed to ESPN.
The Australian big man, who is now a free agent, saw his NBL season draw to a close on Sunday with the Kings going down to Melbourne United in the league's semifinals.
NBA Insider for The Athletic, Shams Charania, believes multiple playoff-bound NBA franchises are interested in securing the veteran's services, including defending champion Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Sources close to Bogut have confirmed to ESPN that there is NBA interest in the former No. 1 draft pick, but reports of an imminent deal are "premature".
Multiple contenders, including Golden State and Philadelphia, are expected to express interest in upcoming free agent Andrew Bogut. His season has ended in playoffs of Australia's NBL, where Bogut was league MVP and DPOY, and he will take some time to decide on next team.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 3, 2019
Sydney's Daily Telegraph reports that the Kings are unlikely to stand in Bogut's way if he elects to return to the NBA in the off-season, despite not having a NBA out clause in his contract. The Kings also see a commercial benefit in their marquee player returning to the NBA, but the ultimate say rests with Bogut.
Bogut, 34, played for the Warriors between 2012 and 2016, helping them to a breakthrough title in 2015. While a return to Oakland would be fascinating, a more popular move might be to Philadelphia where he would join fellow Australians Ben Simmons and Jonah Bolden at one of the league's most exciting up-and-coming franchises.
Whats all the fuss in my mentions? My afternoon is with Baby Shark and @BlippiOfficial ! Enjoy your day! 😉
— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) March 4, 2019
Bogut starred in his first NBL season, leading the Kings to the final four as well as earning the league's MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards, and his experience could prove vital for a team with playoff aspirations.