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NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Trades for Timofey Mozgov

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phoenix Suns

Why the Cavs do it:

Tyson Chandler proved that he can contribute on a contending team when the Mavericks won the NBA Finals. His defense and rebounding were key during their title run, and it could be the same with the Cavs.

It is without question that Chandler’s skills have regressed. Of course he’s also playing on the Phoenix Suns, who have had many struggles this season. Chandler could be rejuvenated in joining the Cavs, who are the Eastern Conference favorites.

Chandler is still a strong rebounder, with a rebounding rate of 19.8 that matches his second-best season total. His shot blocking percentage has fallen to 2.2 percent, but he is still able to force others to change their shot.

Acquiring Morris would also help the team improve. He has an 11.7 percent rebounding percentage, but he may be most helpful on the offensive end.

A change of scenery from one of the worst offensive teams to one of the best would certainly help Morris. He’s a good passer with a 14.4 assist percentage, but his true shooting percentage struggles at 44.0 percent. He has the ability to stretch the floor and shoot a long-range jump shot and may find more consistency with the Cavs.

The downside for Cleveland is that both players have three years remaining on their contract following the 2015-16 season.

Why the Suns do it:

The Suns have a bright backcourt, and adding Shumpert would be a big help defensively. Archie Goodwin and Devin Booker have both shown their abilities on the offensive end, and they are only going to improve. Pair that with a healthy Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe and the Suns backcourt is set.

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    • Mozgov provides the Suns an expiring contract, but also a good defensive and rebounding center. He can also help the Suns on the offensive end, since he is an upgrade over Chandler on that end of the court.

    Varejao hasn’t been getting much playing time with the Cavs, though he probably should be. He is still rebounding the ball 16.7 percent of the time. He also has an assist percentage of 10.1 percent. While his PER has fallen to 11.5, with more playing time he can improve upon that. He should help the Suns in the post defensively.

    Varejao and Mozgov will both be off the books before Chandler will, which helps the Suns in the long run financially. Though Shumpert’s contract matches Morris’ in duration and salary, he will provide an improvement defensively on the wing.

    Bottom Line:

    The Suns get a better defender on the wings and more financial flexibility in the long run. The Cavs will benefit greatly from Chandler’s defensive presence and will try to revive Morris’ career on the offensive end.

    According to Hollinger’s trade machine, the Cavs and Suns will both fall off of their current pace by one win. However, that won’t deter the Cavs much as it should help them in their playoff run.

    Next: Sacramento Kings

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