Cavs Rumors: Looking at the Centers

Dec 19, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos (41) dunks the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the game at FedExForum. Chicago Bulls beat Memphis Grizzlies 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Kosta Koufos – Memphis Grizzlies

Koufos has been linked to the Cavaliers on multiple occasions, and it’s easy to see why. Koufos is a tremendous defender, and the Grizzlies have given up 4.7 fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. This is especially impressive considering Koufos spends most of his time backing up Marc Gasol, one of the best defenders in the league. He was a starter for playoff teams in Denver, and at 25 years old is young enough to be part of the Cavaliers’ core for years to come. Koufos is also on a bargain of a contract at just $3 million this year, a salary that fits neatly into the Cavaliers’ Traded Player Exception. Finally, it is known that Koufos wants a larger role than he has in Memphis, and what better place to find that role than with his hometown team? Koufos was born and raised in nearby Canton and while the hometown narrative is a lazy one, it’s also one that appeals to some players and many fans.

The problem for the Cavaliers is that Koufos will be incredibly difficult to acquire. Like Cleveland, Memphis is hoping to contend for a title this year, and quite frankly may be closer to doing so than the Cavaliers are. Koufos is an integral part of their rotation, and they are likely not interested in moving him. While Memphis could use more perimeter scoring, Dion Waiters doesn’t really fit their style of play. Some have speculated that giving Memphis their own first round pick belonging to the Cavaliers back could work, but if a team is trying to win now, they don’t make that trade. Likewise, the three team trade recently discussed by Brian Windhorst on his Friday morning radio show “Hey Windy” in which the Cavaliers get Koufos after Memphis receive Tyler Zeller from the Boston Celtics may make some sense as Memphis would hold Zeller’s rights for several more seasons, but teams trying to win now don’t downgrade at important spots on the roster.

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