Timofey Mozgov Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation on Cavaliers C

Alec NathanFeb 12, 2016

Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov could be on the move at the NBA trade deadline, but his status as a moving part will likely be influenced by several other factors.

Continue for updates.

Cavaliers Reportedly Plan to Keep Mozgov

Thursday, Feb. 18

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported the Cavaliers aren't planning to trade Mozgov.

Mozgov Eyed By Knicks in Possible 3-Team Trade

Friday, Feb. 12

The Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics have reportedly held "very preliminary discussions" about a three-team trade that would send Kevin Love to Boston, Carmelo Anthony to Cleveland and Timofey Mozgov to the Knicks along with draft picks, according to the New York Daily News' Frank Isola.

Mozgov is currently in the final season of a three-year, $14 million deal and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, per Spotrac.

Isola added "talks have not progressed" between the three teams.

The rationale behind a potential move for the Knicks would make sense if team president Phil Jackson were able to obtain a haul of draft picks and expiring deals that gave New York some cost-controlled assets and cap space to work with entering the summer of 2016.

However, such a deal can't be made without Anthony's approval since the 31-year-old has a no-trade clause in his contract.

Mozgov, who is set to turn 30 in July, is in the midst of a down year after emerging as a key component of the Cavaliers' Eastern Conference title run last season.

In 49 games this season, Mozgov is averaging 6.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks while shooting 54.3 percent from the field. And according to NBA.com's stats database, the Cavs have been 7.5 points better per 100 possessions with Mozgov off the floor this season.

But if the Knicks made a play for Mozgov, it wouldn't likely be for his on-court contributions. Rather, Mozgov's return to New York would allow Jackson to clear cap space when the big man's deal expires at season's end.