In their second trade in less than a week, the Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired center Timofey Mozgov from the Denver Nuggest for two first-round picks.
That seems to be a relatively high price to pay for a fourth-year pro that is yet to average double-digit points or rebounds in a single season. Mozgov is averaging 8.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game thus far this season.
Mozgov was originally a member of the New York Knicks before being sent to Denver in the Carmelo Anthony trade back in July of 2014. He previously played in the Russian National Team.
It’s rather obvious at this point that Cleveland is looking to rebuild the role players behind LeBron James after struggling to start the season. In adding Mozgov, the Cavaliers get a low-post presence that they have been lacking all year. Teaming him up with recently acquired Iman Shumpert should also help the team’s overall defense.
As it relates to the Nuggets, they get two first-round picks for a center that is limited on the offensive end of the court. That’s a solid move on their part.