NBA Trade Rumors: Wizards Should Steer Clear of Andrew Bogut

Andrew Bogut is not the answer to the Washington Wizards' problems. The Wizards are horrible and they obviously have to make changes to improve, but the oft-injured Bogut will only add to their frustration.

ESPN's Marc Stein reports:

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Sources say that the Washington Wizards are among the teams to express the strongest interest in Bogut, which might be another indication that the Wiz are prepared to part with the enigmatic JaVale McGee, if not before the deadline, then during the offseason. 

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On paper, adding a 27-year-old seven-footer who has averaged nearly a double-double for his career sounds good. It sounds even better when you think about coupling him with dynamic young point guard John Wall.

The sobering aspect of this is the fact that Bogut has missed an average of 25 games the past three seasons. Bogut has already missed 28 of the Bucks' 40 games this season.

While the talent and inside presence Bogut provides is attractive, imagine how frustrating it will be for Wizards' fans to see him in a suit more often than in the Wiz' Red, White and Blue.

Big men with that many injuries have a huge "buyer beware" sign over their heads. The Wizards should be able to get a safer return on the promising McGee.

Even if Bogut stays healthy, he doesn't address the Wizards' biggest issue, which is leadership. Wall is trying, but he hasn't been successful in changing the culture.

Bogut is not an outspoken or strong personality. Unless there is a complete overhaul and players like Nick Young and Andray Blatche are removed from the team, it won't matter.

Bogut has two more years on his contract in which he's owed $26 million. That is a ton of money to invest in a player who has problems staying healthy.

The Wizards aren't the least talented team in the NBA; they lack leadership and winning personalities. Bogut doesn't have the durability or the presence to change that.

If the Wiz are looking to rework the foundation and bring in a veteran, they may have to do that at another position. Their best prospects at a big man will likely come in the draft with Anthony Davis of Kentucky or Andre Drummond of UConn.

With their current standing as the third-worst team in the league, they should have a good amount of balls in the NBA Lottery. 

Bogut is good, but he will not stop the bleeding.