If the recent trade rumors turn out to be accurate, then Dion Waiters will probably be traded by Cleveland Cavaliers for a bigger man like Kosta Koufos from Memphis Grizzlies to improve the team's defense.
Initially, the Cavs wanted to get Timofey Mozgov but he will remain under contract with the Denver Nuggets until next season. That is why the Cavs are now looking at Koufos, who will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The 7-footer Greek-American center has been with the Grizzlies since the start of the 2013-2014 season, but his camp is sending feelers that he is not contented with the limited role that he plays for the team since they already have Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph in their line-up. If he will be given a chance to shine, Koufos' dismal average of 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in all his 14.1 minutes of game will probably improve in another team.
Waiters, on the other hand, is considered as Cavs' asset in its offensive line. Yet the shooting guard is struggling to show this potential this season, considering that the team has several players to cover that territory, including LeBron James.
According to a report by ESPN's Marc Stein, "Cleveland rates Waiters' talent highly, but sources maintain that the Cavs have let a number of teams know they are prepared to surrender him if they can acquire a difference-making center in return."
If this trade will push through, then the Cavaliers will probably have the better end of the deal. The team could definitely use a good defensive player, which Koufos could easily portray. But the Grizzlies may also benefit from this deal, since the team could still use a hand in their offensive plays.
Aside from Koufos, the Cavs may also consider getting DeAndre Jordan from the Los Angeles Clippers or Roy HIbbert from Indiana Pacers in case the deal with the Grizzlies does not push through.
