Report: Cavaliers making calls to gauge market for Timofey Mozgov

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25451658/report-cavaliers-make-calls-to-gauge-market-for-timofey-mozgov



Report: Cavaliers making calls to gauge market for Timofey Mozgov


By James Herbert | NBA writer


January 16, 2016 4:19 pm ET



Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov's role has diminished, and he's set to be a free agent this summer. Even though the Cavs are contenders, this isn't a great time for him to be averaging 6.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 17.8 minutes per game. According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Cleveland has "started to make calls on the market" for him.

Trade rumor season is upon us, and it can be confusing. It's worth noting that previous reports, as recent as Monday, indicated the Cavaliers had no interest in moving Mozgov. After all, they surrendered two first-round picks for him almost exactly a year ago. He proved his value last season, especially in the playoffs, and could become indispensable if Cleveland has an injury in the frontcourt. A trade isn't necessarily imminent.

As of now, though, Mozgov isn't getting a whole lot done. In the Cavs' 91-77 win over the Houston Rockets, he played 18 minutes and scored two points on 1-for-2 shooting. The previous night in San Antonio, he didn't score a point or even attempt a shot in 15 minutes. This could not have been what he envisioned coming into the season. Remember Game 4 of the NBA Finals, when he had 28 points and 10 rebounds?

If this situation doesn't change between now and the end of the season, it's hard to imagine Mozgov re-signing with Cleveland. That puts the front office in a tricky position. Do you trade him even though you might need him in a few months, or do you keep him even though you'll likely lose him for nothing? At the very least, it makes sense to see what deals are out there.



bob



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If you are a contender, it is all about the now. I would expect them to keep him, unless they can make a trade for a another serviceable big whose contract is not expiring.

I also think that Cleveland will keep him. He is likely to play better before the season ends than he has so far. There are not a lot of centers seemingly available who are better than he is as he at least knows their system, players and coaches. And, if he continues to play like he has the Cavaliers will not have to sign him for next year any way.

With the way he has played this year and him needing a new contract for next year what could they really expect to get for him right now anyway? Perhaps an over priced bench player and a couple of second round picks? And, with his contract, the Cavs may have to throw in a second round pick to get him moved.