Cleveland Cavaliers: Could Mozgov Go Back To New York?
By Ryan Rosko
The Cleveland Cavaliers only have so much to spend on free agents. Could center Timofey Mozgov‘s time be over with the reigning NBA Champions?
When the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Timofey Mozgov for two first round picks from the Denver Nuggets during the 2014-15 season, Cleveland filled a need. Mozgov is a rim protecting, solid center who is not a scorer, which was great when he became a Cavalier.
During his first season with Cleveland, Mozgov did exactly what the Cavs needed.. However, this past season was disappointment. As a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mozgov has averaged 7.9 points, 0.9 blocks, and 5.4 rebounds.
Now it would not be surprising to see Mogov sign elsewhere and one team he could join is the New York Knicks. Due to the contract Mozgov will be seeking, along with the limited amount of money Cleveland can offer and what New York can offer, this seems like a likely fit.
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According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, the Knicks are high on the Cleveland Cavaliers center in addition to their pursuit of Chicago Bulls’ Joakim Noah. Should Mozgov, a former Knick head back to NY, he would get a fresh start in the “Big Apple”. The Cavs also would get to move on, playing fellow big man Sasha Kaun and perhaps others more often.
Mozgov is an unrestricted free agent. That title allows him to sign anywhere without giving Cleveland the chance to match.
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Seven foot centers are not a luxury that NBA teams can just sign and in turn fill a need(s). When team can acquire such a player, even ones who have struggled, it is hard to not retain them.
Mozgov was basically an unknown in his rookie season with the Knicks. Now as a veteran in the NBA, everyone knows what he can do and what his ceiling is. He very well have already reached it.
It will be up to Cleveland Cavaliers GM David Griffin in determining if Mozgov will have a future in NE Ohio. Should he have one, Mozgov will have to be flexible in his demands and a Cavs trade shedding salary will need to be done. After all, they already have the highest payroll in the NBA.
Can Mozgov get back to playing consistently as a solid center as well as a nice role player for the Cleveland Cavaliers? Sure he can, but given how he played this past season and especially the last few months, I have my reservations.
Remember, his playoff impact was horrible as he barely played. He averaged less than six minutes/game and 1.2 points and 1.6 rebounds!
I want to see Mozgov back with the Cavs. On the other hand, if his level of play is inconsistent and he is ends up signing a deal that negatively affects the Cavaliers’ payroll, then it is best to cut ties.
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NBA players who are not under contract are not officially free agents until July 1st. Once that date gets here, expect to see Mozgov reach a deal elsewhere.