The Boston Celtics are reportedly looking for a defensive center to man their interior defense and Dallas Mavericks big man Andrew Bogut is rumored to be one of their top targets in midseason.

Boston has acquired Al Horford during the free-agency period and while the four-time NBA All-Star center has evidently helped the Celtics improve on both ends of the floor (the team has a 112 offensive rating and a 102 defensive rating with him on the court, both "better than most players on roster", as per CBS Sports' Matt Moore), he has not been known as an excellent rebounder and rim protector.

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This has led to speculations that the Celtics are trying to find a big man who is more of a shot blocker and inside defender to pair with Horford up front and that Bogut is the team's primary target at the moment.

With the Mavericks currently struggling in the bottom of the Western Conference standings, there are also rumors that the club could go on a rebuilding route with 24-year-old Harrison Barnes as the new focal point.

Dallas is in danger of having their worst season in the Dirk Nowitzki era and with the German in the twilight years of his career, this is said to be the perfect time for the team to get younger. Trading Bogut could be the beginning of the future for the Mavs.

Moore noted that the Celtics will likely offer Amir Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, or Terry Rozier with a future draft pick to the Mavs for Bogut and Dallas should welcome the package's future value.

Meanwhile, Bogut is reportedly the ideal frontcourt partner for Horford, especially on the defensive end. The one-time NBA champion big man is also a postseason veteran which could help the Celtics go deeper in the playoffs and possibly contend with East powerhouses Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.

However, NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk indicated that the Mavs have "no immediate intention to shop" Bogut as the team's focus right now is to try salvaging their season.

If the Mavs continue camping in the bottom of the West standings, then the probability of Bogut getting dealt will go higher as the February trade deadline draws near.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA Trade Rumors 2016, andrew bogut, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics