NBA Trade Rumors 2016: Cavs' Timofey Mozgov Drawing a Lot of Interest
When the Cleveland Cavaliers made a gamble last season by trading for Russian center Timofey Mozgov, it paid off big time in the postseason. And as this season progresses, it has become quite clear that the 29-yea- old is the player they need to have a defensive presence inside the shaded area.
But because the team's general manager, David Griffin, is a person who loves to constantly look for ways to improve the team, is there a chance that Cleveland considers trading Mozgov?
On one hand, a trade involving him makes sense because it seems like everyone is interested in him. It means that the Cavs can use his value to get a couple of players in return that can provide additional scoring punch.
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Well, the problem is will they be willing to part ways with a young and promising player whose stock has significantly increased after last season?
On the other hand, the interest in him is abundant, with Yahoo! Sports revealing that he has been a subject of multiple calls and inquiries from rival general managers
Although David Blatt relegated Mozgov to the reserve role this season, it does not mean he's no longer a crucial part of the team. At 7-foot-1 and an array of skills and versatility at the defensive end, it's hard to imagine him going somewhere else, unless of course another team's offer is just too good to resist.
Mozgov will become an unrestricted free agent at the season's end and it means he'll likely demand for a big contract. The fact that Cleveland has one of the highest luxury tax bills in the league does not help either. In case Mozgov demands a salary of at least $10 million from them, then they have no choice but to face more than $26 million in excess of salaries and luxury tax owed by next season.
