Cleveland Cavaliers Rumors: Sasha Kaun To Reunite With David Blatt & Timofey Mozgov Soon?
Russian center Sasha Kaun visited Cleveland, which created speculation that he could sign with the Cavaliers soon and reunite with former coach David Blatt and fellow national team player Timofey Mozgov.
Sources told the Northeast Ohio Media Group that Kaun visited Cleveland on Monday to look for a house and test out some things in the city. The report also added that the visit is a clear sign that the 30-year-old is ready to move the NBA after ending his stint with European club CSKA Moscow.
No contract was signed during the visit, but Kaun and the Cavaliers have reportedly agreed to terms and it is now just a matter of time before the Russian reunites with his old pals.
The Cavaliers are focused on striking a deal with restricted free agent Tristan Thompson. Once they agree to a new contract with Thompson, the Cavaliers are expected to begin contract talks with Kaun.
Kaun will have an easier transition to the NBA compared to other players who came from Europe, as he will be guided by Blatt, who coached him in the Russian national team before. Kaun also played alongside Mozgov during the 2012 London Olympics, helping Russia bag the bronze medal.
Cavaliers general manager David Griffin said last month that they are very interested in signing Kaun, but he also admitted that they do not have much to offer because they are over the salary cap.
The Cavaliers signed LeBron James, Kevin Love, Iman Shumpert, James Jones and Matthew Dellavedova this offseason, and are still negotiating with Thompson and J.R. Smith. Cleveland also added veterans Mo Williams and Richard Jefferson to their roster this offseason.
"It's difficult because he's coming off making an incredibly large amount of money and he is literally a first-team, all-EuroLeague-caliber center, and it's a difficult proposition to come to a team like ours for the type of money we have to offer," Griffin said.
Kaun said, though, that money will not be a problem for him because he just wants to win a championship in the NBA, and he feels signing with the Cavaliers will give him a good chance to win a title.
"That's probably something that shouldn't be a problem," Kaun said of his possible salary. "Hopefully coming to this team, it will give us an opportunity to win, and winning is more important to me than money. I don't think I want to do it because of the money. Just play basketball and enjoy it and play with some really great players."
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