NBA trade rumors: Cavs have pursued Kings center Kosta Koufos

The Cavs are in first place of the Eastern Conference, but with the Warriors and Spurs seeming to be on a different level, it seems they are going to be active during the trade deadline. Even if it's just doing their due diligence, looking for ways to maximize their chances at pulling off an upset to winning an NBA title makes sense. Potential areas of improvement on the roster include Timofey Mozgov and Richard Jefferson, who have both struggled when given roles this season.

One such upgrade might be Kings center Kosta Koufos, and it sounds as if the Cavs are in fact interested.

Among Cleveland's various trade targets this week, ESPN sources say that the Cavs have pursued Sacramento big man Kosta Koufos

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 15, 2016

Koufos is a solid backup center locked into a reasonable deal long term. He's stuck behind DeMarcus Cousins and Willie Cauley-Stein, so it makes some sense for the Kings to look at ways to move him. Mozgov's expiring deal might be appealing to them, but it's possible they could get more value for Koufos. The Cavs can't trade a first round pick until 2018, and including that pick is pretty expensive for a player like Koufos.

Ultimately, the Cavs will need to rely heaving on LeBron James, Tristan Thompson, and Kevin Love as the main bigs heading into the playoffs, barring some major shakeup. Insofar as Mozgov has a role, Koufos is an upgrade. I'm not sure how big the role should be anyway, though.