Cavs Rumors: Looking at the Centers

Dec 17, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tarik Black (10) shoots the ball against Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Timofey Mozgov – Denver Nuggets

Like Koufos, Mozgov has frequently been linked to the Cavaliers for a multitude of reasons. The 7’1” Russian is the kind of huge man in the middle that the Cavaliers lack. Mozgov is a solid defender who, while not being a great shot blocker, does a nice job protecting the rim. Mozgov also has a contract paying him $4.6 million this year, which fits into the TPE. Making him possibly more appealing than Koufos is the fact that Mozgov has a team option for $4.9 million next year, meaning the Cavaliers wouldn’t have to worry about him leaving in free agency. He also played for Cavaliers coach David Blatt on the Russian National Team, and is a fan of Blatt and his system. While he is three years older than Koufos at 28, Mozgov is still young enough to be part of this team for several years.

Once again the biggest hurdle in acquiring Mozgov may be the lack of assets the Nuggets would be interested in. Skilled big men are hard to find, and one on a cheap contract like Mozgov is an asset that should not be traded away easily. Dion Waiters likely has little value to the Nuggets as they are stocked at the guard positions with Ty Lawson, Arron Afflalo, Randy Foye, Nate Robinson, and Gary Harris. The Cavaliers’ own first round picks are unavailable until too far into the future to interest Denver. That means the Cavaliers would likely have to offer the first round pick they own from the Grizzlies to even have a chance of getting Mozgov from the Nuggets. It remains to be seen if they are willing to pay that price.

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