NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Los Angeles Lakers most likely to be traded in 2017
5. Timofey Mozgov
I want to start this off by saying I don’t foresee the Lakers dealing Timofey Mozgov this offseason. That, however, won’t be for a lack of effort. The problem is that there just aren’t going to be any teams willing to take on that type of contract for an average (at best) center.
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Mozgov’s deal still has three years remaining that pays him an average of $16 million. That’s an absurd number, even for the standard contracts of today’s NBA. The signing received a lot of criticism when it was first announced, and it came under even more fire after Mozgov’s underwhelming performance during his first year in Los Angeles.
In Year 1, the Russia native finished with per-game averages of 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.6 blocks. I’d say it was a disappointing performance from Mozgov, but it wasn’t completely unexpected. He was already coming off a lackluster season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and was never really an upper-echelon center.
Regardless, Magic will make every effort to unload him this offseason. The Lakers have an intriguing prospect in Ivica Zubac who flashed starter potential as a rookie. Tarik Black could also be brought back, although don’t be surprised if he isn’t. Los Angeles could also look to nab a big man with the No. 28 overall pick in the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft.
Chances aren’t overwhelming high, but maybe the Lakers find a taker for Mozgov if it helps facilitate some blockbuster trade this offseason.