Cavs Interested In Kosta Koufos, Willing To Deal Dion Waiters

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been linked to Corey Brewer and Timofey Mozgov, but this is the first time that the Grizzlies’ back-up center has been mentioned. According to ESPN’s Mark Stein, Kosta Koufos is now the main-man in the Cavs pursuit of improving their roster:

Cleveland, sources say, has been inquiring with the Memphis Grizzlies about the available of reserve center Kosta Koufos among their various trade pursuits.

Sources say that the Cavs are well aware landing a quality big man likely depends on selling on potential trade partners to take back polarizing shooting guard Dion Waiters. 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.

Stein mentions that Cleveland would swap Dion Waiters for Koufos. The Denver Nuggets, according to Stein, weren’t willing to take a Waiters-for-Mozogov deal.

Koufos, a 6-year-pro out of Ohio State, has played for four different franchises, including Denver, where he was drafted 23rd overall in 2008. Koufos, who makes $3 million per year, will be a free-agent after season’s end.  He has career averages 5.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg.

[ESPN]