NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Could Trade Dion Waiters for Kosta Koufos
The Cleveland Cavaliers are determined to shore up their frontline as reports indicated that they are interested in acquiring Memphis Grizzlies reserve Kosta Koufos in a deal that could include Dion Waiters.
The Cavaliers are playing their best basketball of the season as they currently on a seven-game winning streak, but Marc Stein of ESPN reported that Cleveland is still in pursuit of a rim protector.
Sources said that the Cavaliers have already inquired about the possibility of trading for Koufos, but the Grizzlies are reportedly asking for Waiters in the deal. The Cavaliers reportedly informed teams that they are willing to give up Waiters if they can get a center, who can help improve their title chances this season.
However, the Cavaliers are not expected to give up Waiters in a one-on-one deal for Koufos as their executives are high on their third-year guard, who is averaging just 9.1 points to go along with 2.1 assists and 1.2 rebounds per game this season.
The Grizzlies are reportedly intrigued about the possibility of adding Waiters, creating speculation that they could add more assets to package with Koufos in the deal.
Sources said that the Grizzlies are willing to take the gamble in taking Waiters, who has been inconsistent this season, knowing that they could just let Waiters go in the offseason -- either through trade or free agency -- because the former Syracuse standout could become a restricted free agent.
Stein said that the rumored trade between the Cavaliers and the Grizzlies "has to be monitored" since the two teams are also reportedly in talks about a deal that could include veteran Tayshaun Prince, who could be another defensive presence for the Cavaliers in their title chase this season.
The Cavaliers have been shopping for a rim protector over the past several months. Previous reports indicated that Cleveland inquired about the availability of Timofey Mozgov, but the Denver Nuggets are reportedly determined to keep the Russian center this season.
Aside from Mozgov, previous rumors also suggested that the Cavaliers shopped Waiters to the Los Angeles Clippers for DeAndre Jordan, and to the Indiana Pacers for Roy Hibbert, but both teams turned down the offer.
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