The Cleveland Cavaliers have Kevin Love and after making that trade they have been interested in another deal with the Denver Nuggets for Timofey Mozgov, but to get that done they likely have to give up someone like Dion Waiters or Tristan Thompson and right now the Cavs are not sure they want to do that, leaving this deal as an option but one that's on the backburner for the time being.
The Cavaliers already have pulled off the Kevin Love deal and now that training camp is right around the corner, they could look at making another deal. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Cavaliers were interested in trading for Timofey Mozgov this offseason, but the Nuggets were not motivated to make the deal with Cleveland. The Cavs likely would have to give up a decent player like Dion Waiters or Tristan Thompson and so far that doesn't look like an option for Cleveland.
The Nuggets have Mozgov signed for another year after next season through 2016, so there is no motivating factor for the team to trade him right now. It would be different if the Cavaliers were offering more in a deal, but as of right now that's not happening. With training camps opening up soon, it's unlikely that the team pulls off this deal, but it's one to watch as the season moves along. The Cavaliers like what Mozgov brings on defense and while it's not a big knock on Kevin Love, the Cavs realize that he has some issues on defense.
The Cavaliers are happy with the team they have and would be glad to take that into camp, but they also want to cover all their bases and that is one reason why Mozgov has been getting the interest. Last season Mozgov played well and averaged 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in 21 minutes per game and the Nuggets feel that he is a player to build around. The team may change their minds if they have another rough season and that is why the Cavs should keep their tabs on him leading into the trading deadline this year.
Mozgov comes cheap, as he is making $4.65 million for this season and just under $5 million the season after that and the Cavaliers easily could afford that, but they also would have to give up a decent player. The team traded Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett for Kevin Love and they have positioned themselves as the favorites in the eastern conference and likely the NBA. Mozgov played in all 82 games last season and started 30 and he should continue to develop into a solid player for the Nuggets.
The Cavaliers have a strong trio in LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love and that group likely matches up with anyone in the NBA. The team has the Chicago Bulls and the Indiana Pacers to deal with along with the Miami Heat and those three with the Cavs could be the best teams in the conference. LeBron knows what is at stake in Cleveland and now that he has Love he will be even more motivated to win, as if he wasn't enough already.
