Andrew Bogut chose the Mavericks over the Rockets as a trade destination

Given a choice by Golden State, Andrew Bogut chose the Mavericks over the Rockets as a trade destination, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. The Philadelphia 76ers were also interested, but Bogut ultimately chose to play for Dallas as he enters the final year of his contract.

Bogut had to be dumped by the Warriors so they could clear the salary space to sign Kevin Durant. It wasn't just that -- Durant's decision to join Golden State also means that the Mavericks were able to sign Harrison Barnes to a max contract this summer.

That Bogut chose Dallas over Houston means several things. Both teams are considered contenders for low playoff seeds, but Rick Carlisle and Mark Cuban provide stability in Dallas that doesn't exist in the same way in Houston. Dallas also had a massive void at center, one that doesn't exist in Houston with Clint Capela expected to start and be a major factor. Bogut may have considered Dallas a better team, but it's also more likely that he saw it as a better fit.

Still, it's a nice bit of bragging rights for Mavericks fans, who have had a Interstate-45 rivalry for a while now.