The Cleveland Cavaliers still want Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov and the Oklahoma City Thunder are interested in Mozgov's teammate, Wilson Chandler, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
It's no secret the Cavaliers need an upgrade in the paint, and they've been linked to Mozgov since the beginning of the season. With the NBA trade deadline just over two months away, Mannix reported Friday that Cleveland still has interest in acquiring the 7-foot-1 Russian. The Cavaliers have assets - two first-round picks this year, along with young talent such as Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters - but it's uncertain what it'd cost to pick up Mozgov's team-friendly contract from Denver.
Mannix also reported Oklahoma City inquired about a possible trade for Wilson, who would add depth and production off the bench at the small forward position. At least one NBA writer, though, doesn't see it happening.
"Unless the Thunder are willing to give up someone like Reggie Jackson or agree to take back JaVale McGee and his $11.25 million salary, a deal between the two teams involving Chandler seems unlikely," ESPN's Nick Borges wrote Saturday. "Plus why go after Chandler when Andre Roberson plays a similar role at a cheaper price."
As for Denver, they're expected to be active on the phones this season. Although they've played better recently, the 10-14 Nuggets were named by Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders as one of the teams to watch leading up to the Feb. 19 trade deadline.
"Yes, it's very possible," Kennedy wrote last month. "I think Brian Shaw is on the hot seat there (I just filmed a video about this topic for Basketball Insiders that will run this week) and I believe they could be a team to watch at the trade deadline. If the Nuggets continue to struggle, expect plenty of executives to start circling that roster like vultures. As you said, they have some attractive players who could be significant contributors elsewhere, so if they continue to struggle, don't be surprised if there are a lot of trade rumors and coaching change rumors surfacing over the next few months."
Denver's front office has indicated there're no untouchable players on the roster, including recently-extended Kenneth Faried.
