Timofey Mozgov continues to be the alleged "soft" giant for the Cleveland Cavaliers and right now it seems imminent that he would be dealt away before the National Basketball Association (NBA) trade deadline on Feb. 18. The only problem is where.
For the Cavs, trading Mozgov is one thing but the proper team to deal with is another. Even though the Cavs already carry a heavy roster, the Russian center could be of use to teams who are in dire need of a big man.
Even though no team has been closely linked to Mozgov and the Cavs, one may just have to look at teams who need a big man in the middle and willing to toughen up the once upon a time slotman.
With that said, a couple of teams come to mind. The Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Dallas Mavericks enter the picture.
The Hawks are lacking a big man and Mozgov could be a good fit. Horford is another name that could leave now or by the offseason so landing the Russian could be a backup plan to make sure that they have someone who can alter shots from the inside.
The New Orleans Pelicans sorely need some help right now, but they have to offer a good package to make it work. They did try to dangle Omer Asik but the Cavs weren't interested in the Turkish big man.
The Dallas Mavericks could be a possibility considering they need a legitimate center to man the paint. They did hire some players in the offseason but everyone knows that this is one department that they could reinforce. Mozgov could be a good fit and give Zaza Pachulia more flexibility to play the power forward position.
Aside from the three teams, other ball clubs who need a legit center could dangle for Mozgov too. And hopefully if that happens, Mozgov recalls that outstanding performance he had during last year's NBA finals.
