The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly in discussion with Boston Celtics for a potential three-team trade in an attempt to land shot-blocker like Timofey Mozgov of the Denver Nuggets or Kosta Koufus of the Memphis Grizzlies, a source close to situation disclosed this week.
According to sources, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is willing to move some of their assets in exchange for another first round pick. The Celtics have 10 first round picks over the next six years and could add more by trading incoming free-agents Jeff Green and Brandon Bass.
Trying to rebound right away from the season-ending ACL injury to center Anderson Varejao, the Cavaliers are pushing hard to acquire a rim protector which many NBA analysts believe the only gaping hole to fill in for them to become a legitimate title contender.
The Cavs have been eyeing either Koufus or Mozgov on the trading block, but both the Grizzlies and Nuggets have shown no intention in parting ways with their big men.
Via Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst of ESPN NBA:
The Cleveland Cavaliers have recently been in contact with the Boston Celtics about their interest in facilitating a three-team trade. The Cavaliers are seeking frontcourt depth and have specifically targeted Timofey Mozgov and Kosta Koufos.
The Celtics are aggressively pursuing future draft picks. The Cavs cannot trade their own 2015 first-round pick because they already sent their 2016 pick to the Celtics in a previous deal. But they do own a protected Memphis first-rounder that they could trade.
Another trade scenario NBA insiders are monitoring is potential trade deal between the Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets. Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio reported the Cavs are interested to add either Brook or Robin Lopez via trade, though any potential deal may require a conduit team to make the trade work.
"League sources say the Cavs have an interest in both Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (clearly on the market) and Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (Brook's twin brother). But salaries would make any sort of move involving the Cavs and either Lopez brother unlikely," according to Amico.
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