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Despite struggling this season ahead of free agency, Timofey Mozgov isn’t lacking for suitors.
Mozgov, who has spent the last season and a half with the Cleveland Cavaliers, becomes a free agent at midnight on July. The New York Knicks, who he began his career with, are reportedly interested in signing him , although the Knicks’ are expected to sign Joakim Noah and don’t need two centers.
Per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat are all also interested in Mozgov.
From McMenamin’s story:
The final pair is harder to determine. Mozgov, coming off a poor campaign in what he hoped would be a showcase year, will still command interest and offers by his sheer size alone. San Antonio, Houston, Miami and Golden State are all expected to court the 7-footer, according to league sources.
If Mozgov walks, Cleveland will either go into next season with Sasha Kaun as the primary backup center behind Thompson or have to use its mini midlevel exception to find a replacement. That could hurt, especially if Jefferson retires, because the MMLE would come in handy in finding a viable wing to add to the mix.
The interesting thing about all four suitors is that they are teams looking at other targets. The Warriors are in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes - as are the Spurs and Heat - and can’t really spend money until that’s resolved. The Spurs have been linked to Pau Gasol as well, while the Heat could still re-sign center Hassan Whiteside. Houston, despite not being linked to anyone yet, is always looking for stars.
Basically, it seems as if Mozgov is a backup plan for a lot of teams. That could open the door for the Cavs bringing him back at a lower price and other teams - maybe the Mavericks or Lakers - could get involved after they miss out on other players.
Basically, Mozgov probably isn’t going sign a deal with someone at midnight tonight or soon after. But depending on how things play out, he could have a number of options.