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12+ Possible Timofey Mozgov Replacements

By Jared Mueller

Jan 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) and center Timofey Mozgov (20) box out Dallas Mavericks center JaVale McGee (11) during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) and center Timofey Mozgov (20) box out Dallas Mavericks center JaVale McGee (11) during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) grabs a rebound against Milwaukee Bucks forward John Henson (31) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) grabs a rebound against Milwaukee Bucks forward John Henson (31) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics

The Celtics are clinging to the 8th seed in the East but has been looking to bring in a stud somehow. Cousins has been a target for a few years and they could still be pursuing him. They also have interest in gathering more draft assets to add to their stockpile.

Two players that could draw the Cavs eye are Tyler Zeller and Amir Johnson. Zeller has become a solid defender after being dealt so the Cavs could sign LeBron. He isn’t great at anything but is solid at a lot of things. He has fallen out of the rotation in Boston, only playing 8.6 minutes, but would be a solid add in place of Timo.

Johnson is starting for the Celtics and is an active player in his first year in Boston. Far less likely to be moved, Johnson is putting up 8.4 points with 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. He would have to be a part of a bigger kind of deal.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs are the 5th seed currently out West but have been unsettled at some level. Timo could be the big center that they thought they were getting with DeAndre Jordan. Not the same talent level but a big defensive guy in the middle.

Zaza Pachulia is starting and putting up good numbers, 10 points and 10 rebounds. He has never been a shot blocker but he is a very physical defensive player. Mavs are unlikely to give him up easily.

JaVale McGee on the other hand might be available cheaply. The former Nugget has only played in 22 games at 11 minutes per. He is still averaging 5.5 points and 4 rebounds to go with almost a block per game. McGee could be a cheap alternative if the Cavs get desperate.

Portland Trailblazers

Portland is on the outside looking in and trying to figure out who they are after losing LaMarcus Aldridge and trading Nicolas Batum this offseason. They have some surprisingly interesting big men that could draw Cavs attention.

Chris Kaman is barely playing. Mason Plumlee, Meyers Leonard and Ed Davis are all playing well and over 20 minutes a game and could all be an upgrade in different areas for the team. The Blazers might try to build around their young pieces but trading one of their many big men wouldn’t shock anyone.

Milwaukee Bucks

Finally, we look at a team that thought they would be competitive this year but just haven’t been. The Bucks are 7 games under .500 and not playing well. They are struggling on offense and on defense. Their lack of shooting as well as struggles adjusting to Greg Monroe have all hurt them. The Bucks could be open to a lot of deals at the deadline.

John Henson is the most interesting player, of those reasonably available, for the Cavs. His length and defensive prowess, 2 blocks per game, has to excite. He is playing less than 17 minutes a game but getting 7 points and 4 rebounds a game.

Miles Plumlee could be had cheaper most likely. The athletic almost 7 footer isn’t great at any one thing, 2 points & 2 rebounds a game but is an active player with size and ability to jump. He is a taller Tristan like player on offense with more size and girth, but lacking the rebounding prowess, on the defensive end.

Next: Wrapping Up