Source: Celtics had preliminary contact with Andrew Bogut’s camp

Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe reported Friday that the Boston Celtics had preliminary talks with free agent Andrew Bogut’s camp earlier in the week.

Following the major blockbuster trade completed with the Cavaliers on Tuesday, bringing Kyrie Irving to Boston, the Celtics only have 14 players on guaranteed contracts.

Bogut displayed interest in the Celtics after last season’s trade deadline, when he was bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers following a trade from the Dallas Mavericks. He ultimately signed with the Cavaliers, only to break his leg mere minutes into his debut. Bogut’s agent said after signing with Cleveland that, “Brad and Danny made a heck of an impression recruiting him, and it was a lot closer than Andrew expected.”

Bogut averaged 3.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and nearly two assists per game in about 22 minutes a night. With rookie center Ante Zizic shipped off along with Thomas and Crowder in the deal for Irving, the Celtics may want to add a veteran front court presence that can rebound and block shots. Bogut is known for being a good passer, which would help him fit in well in a Brad Stevens system. He is also known for his injury history. (He has completed a full season only once, during his rookie season in 2005-2006. Since, the Australian big man has had nine seasons where he’s played less than 70 games.)

The Celtics can only offer Bogut a veteran minimum, but that’s likely the most the former champion will fetch at this point in the summer. Other possible free agent options for the Celtics before the start of training camp are outlined here by Keith Smith.