NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Tried To Trade Timofey Mozgov To Sacramento Kings
In NBA trade rumors, the Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly tried deal Timofey Mozgov to the Sacramento Kings, while Cavs’ GM David Griffin has also shown in interest in Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans, center Omer Asik, and Hawks shooter Kyle Korver.
Timo Mozgov will be a free agent this summer, and the Cavs’ front office doesn’t see the Russian center as part of the future.
Mozgov’s numbers have taken a hit this season, but he’ll still probably command a ton of money next season.
Mozgov envisioned a $20 million per season pay day, according to Windhorst in a recent “Hey Windy” podcast, which airs on ESPN Cleveland.
Windhorst: The #Cavs have been talking to the Kings about Timofey Mozgov. The Kings have rejected their offers though.
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 9, 2016
If Moz was worth the cash, I suspect owner Dan Gilbert would swallow the luxury tax bill and sign him. But it’s becoming increasingly clear the Cavs don’t want to deal with Mozgov because they’re concerned about the player he’ll be long term. Hence, they’re trying to trade him.
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Rumors surfaced that teams were calling about Mozgov earlier in the season, but now, according to Windhorst, the Cavs are actively trying to deal him, and the Kings were the reported target. Sacramento rejected the trade.
Other trade rumors Windhorst hit on include a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, with center Omer Asik and guard Tyreke Evans being the prime targets.
Evans is the wing player the Cavs have been searching for. He had a rough first-half of the season and knee tendinitis will keep him out until after the All-Star break. Evans is making $10.7 million this season, and $10.2 in 2016-2017. Evans is averaging 15.2 points per game, but shooting .433 from the field–his worst total since his second year in the league. Evans can defend and has a 0.30 Defensive Real Plus/Minus. That ranks 12th among shooting guards.
Windhorst: Tyreke Evans and Omer Asik are also some players on the #Cavs radar when it come to trades.
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 9, 2016
Asik’s defensive real plus/minus, which is 15th among centers. He’s only playing about 17 minutes per game, but he’s averaging almost one block (0.8), while grabbing 6.1 rebounds per contest. Asik signed a five-year $57.9 million contract with New Orleans ( $43.9guaranteed) before the start of the 2015-2016 season.
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Perhaps the Cavs view him as a better bet than Mozgov down the stretch, in addition to being cheaper.
The Cavs could easily absorb either Asik or Korver with the $10.5 million Brendan Haywood trade exception.
Additionally, Windy speculated on the Cavs’ interest in Hawks 3-point specialist Kyle Korver. Windy doesn’t think a deal is imminent, but said acquiring Korver is a move the Cavs would like to make. Atlanta is current the No. 5 in the East. They’re a playoff team, but nobody believes they’re better than they were a season ago when they got schalacked by the Cavs in the Eastern semis. Atlanta may sell off some assets, according to Windy.
In the other players the Cavs are trying to trade file, throw Anderson Varejao‘s name in with Mozgov’s. Andy’s a fan favorite, but he’s hardly playing. He’s averaging about 10 minutes per game, and the Cavs aren’t getting much interest.
Next: All-Time Cavs' All-Star Starting 5
Trade talks are sure to heat up during the All-Star break. The trade deadline is Feb. 18.