Timofey Mozgov says Cavaliers trade talks are ‘just rumors’
By Sam Richmond
The LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have many holes, but the team could benefit from adding another rim-protecting big man. Considering Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov fits that description and has worked with Cleveland coach David Blatt in the past while on the Russian national team, many have speculated that the Cavs could trade for the seven-footer.
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Mozgov, for his part, shot down the idea of leaving Denver for Cleveland in an interview with Boris Khodorovsky of ITAR-TASS.
"So far all the talks about trade to Cleveland are just rumors. My last season in Denver was good, and to try and do something to leave the team wouldn’t be smart."
But the Nuggets center still left himself a little wiggle room, making a few other comments that should raise some eyebrows.
"Of course, it would be interesting to play for David Blatt’s team. I know his coaching philosophy well, after working with him on Russian national team. The thing you like about Blatt is that he always sets the highest goals for himself and for the team."
Also, Mozgov spoke about James to Taras Barabash of R-Sport:
"I would like to play with LeBron. But even though playing for a contender is cool, you got to understand that I want to be part of the team and not to just join a contender and ride the coattails, being a burden."
Mozgov would be a great addition for the Cavaliers. He averaged 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game this past season.
Cleveland has already made a few moves to improve their depth, such as signing Shawn Marion, and Mosgov certainly would add to their bench talent.