The Cleveland Cavaliers got the ball rolling during the NBA trading period, just not how many people expected them to. As the leaders in the Eastern Conference, they did not necessarily need to make roster changes and yet rumors have been flying that change is coming before the deadline. That proved to be true on Tuesday when the Cavaliers made one move that could lead to another.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Cavaliers have traded Joe Harris to the Orlando Magic in order to save on luxury tax penalties. With the second-highest pay roll in the league, the Cavaliers are at risk of getting hit with nearly $3 million in luxury tax penalties. That caused the departure of Harris who underwent surgery to repair a broken right foot. He is expected to miss the rest of the season which is why the Cavaliers made the trade a priority. According to ESPN, he is expected to be waived by the Magic following the trade.
The question is whether or not there is a bigger trade on the horizon for Cleveland. According to Yahoo Sports, the Cavaliers are getting a lot of interest in Timofey Mozgov, but they are not ready to pull the trigger on getting a deal done. Mozgov was traded to the team last season and was a critical piece in their run to the NBA Finals. However, this season with the return of Kevin Love and the rise of Tristan Thompson, the center has been the odd man out. He has lost his starting job along with critical playing time. Mozgov has been in a shooting slump, but has the support of his teammates going forward.
"I'm not sure where he's mentally. Only he knows that. As a leader of the team, you just give him as much positive energy, give him as much positive notion about what he needs to do for our team," LeBron James said, via ESPN.com.
Mozgov has an expiring contract and is expected to command a high-priced deal. The chances the Cavaliers are the ones that offer it to him are slim. However, the Akron Beacon Journal reports that even with that, there is no real reason to trade Mozgov. The center will be needed to beat larger teams. Right now, the Cavaliers are running with a smaller lineup, but that might not work all the time which is where Mozgov is needed.
ESPN.com reports the Cavaliers are trying to be patient and let his struggles work themselves out. There is hope that Mozgov can get back into a positive rhythm. However, until then the trade rumors will get louder and louder.
