NBA Trade Rumor: Kosta Koufos Cavs Target

The Cleveland Cavaliers are working the phones and the latest NBA Trade Rumor says Kosta Koufos is a target.

In advance of Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline we expect many NBA Trade Rumors to be floated surrounding the Cavs. Today Marc Stein noted that Koufos was someone the team is pursuing:

We have noted that Koufos seems to make sense for the Cavs as they look to upgrade from what Timofey Mozgov has become this season. Brian Windhorst has also suggested the Cavs had targeted the Kings big man.

The 7 footer played 1 year for The Ohio State University and has played for 5 teams in his 7 year career so far in the NBA. For his career, Koufos is averaging 5.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and .8 block shots a game. This year he is up to 6.8 points, 5.7 boards and .9 blocks while playing under 20 minutes a game.

With DeMarcus Cousins taking a lot of the time, and shots, down low and rookie Willie Cauley-Stein developing, Koufos has still played pretty well. He is shooting 53% from the floor but only 58% from the foul line. He is a career 61% FT shooter which doesn’t create hope he can space the floor very well.In a lot of ways, Koufos would give the Cavs a similar jolt that Mozgov did last year, before losing confidence this season. Koufos is only 26 years old, is a local kid and is signed for 3 more seasons at a reasonable price.

In a lot of ways, Koufos would give the Cavs a similar jolt that Mozgov did last year, before losing confidence this season. Koufos is only 26 years old, is a local kid and is signed for 3 more seasons at a reasonable price.

Many Cavs fans wish the team was targeting Cousins instead but that trade is unlikely to happen.

Trading Mozgov for Koufos straight up makes some sense for both teams. (Cap note: Cavs would have to add Sasha Kaun to make the deal work.) The Kings cut some long term salary at a position that they have some strength while picking up a big guy that can keep WCS from seeing too many minutes the rest of the season. The Cavs would have to sweeten the pot some how though.

For the Cavs, Koufos can either start or come off the bench and give the team the size and rim protection that they need. He isn’t a great shot blocker but shows good timing and could see his numbers increase with more minutes. If he started, Tristan Thompson could come off the bench to be the sparkplug he has been in the past.

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Koufos’ length and decent feet should be helpful even against smaller teams.

The Cavs could try to get Ben McLemore as well in the deal, especially if they end up dealing either Cedi Osman or their 2018 First Round pick. McLemore hasn’t been the player that many had hoped he would be but a change of scenery could help the athletic wing with a sweet stroke.

Whether Koufos is the key to the Cavs winning an NBA Title, really the only thing that matters right now, is a huge question. They seem intent on trying to find out.

What do you think of this NBA Trade Rumor?