The free agent market for centers is getting smaller by the day after names like Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum signed with new teams and as the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Pelicans chase Greg Oden, the loser in that race may decide to go after Timofey Mozgov next.
A number of teams could try to sway the services of Mozgov, as the restricted free agent is one of the top names left on the market after the other players signed. The Denver Nuggets likely would match any offer since they only have JaVale McGee in a similar position, but that doesn't mean that teams like the Miami Heat or Spurs won't at least try to make him an offer if they lose out on Oden. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Kings have also looked at Mozgov as an option, although they realize that the Nuggets may not let him walk for nothing, meaning a sign and trade could be in the cards as well.
The Kings are trying to rebuild under new management and general manager Pete D'Alessandro may try to make a splash after trying hard to sign Monta Ellis as well as other big named free agents. The Heat and Spurs appear to be the front runners for Oden and that could leave the Kings to try and sign Mozgov against whoever loses out on the former number one overall pick. While Oden has only played in 82 games while dealing with injuries during his short career, he could be a valuable addition to the bench as long as he can stay healthy.
The Kings could have room for Mozgov after signing rookie Ray McCallum officially and the team could also possibly use John Salmons in a sign and trade as well, as they decide not to use the amnesty clause on him. The deadline for that was Tuesday and there is a chance that a team could grab Salmons just to get his contract off the books, which is what the Kings may want to do as well, since he has a $1 million buyout if the team doesn't pick up his option for next week.
The Kings met with Oden and while they are in the mix, it appears much more likely that they will grab Mozgov, as the Heat are reportedly ready to give him an offer, while the Pelicans are planning on a $3 million deal for one year. The Kings can wait to let things play out and since they have Salmons as trade bait, they may end up with a center while either the Heat or the Spurs will miss out on at least one of the players. The Nuggets may try to keep Mozgov, as that would be yet another departure after Andre Iguodala, GM Masai Ujiri as well as coach George Karl from the 57 win team last year.