The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly looking for ways to bulk up their thinning frontline following the season=ending injury to center Chris Andersen, Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reported this week.
Vadon stated the Cavaliers are apparently reviving their interest in former Ohio States Buckeyes standout Kosta Koufos. The Cavaliers have been eyeing the American-born Greek big man while he was playing with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Joe Vadon of the Cleveland.com:
"The Cavs wanted Koufos in the past, yes. He starts in the frontcourt along with DeMarcus Cousins and is averaging 5.6 points and 5.7 rebounds entering play Thursday. He's also making $8 million. I'd be surprised if Cleveland used its limited trade assets on him, given frontcourt is not the primary need and there wouldn't be much of a role for him."
Tristan Thompson is enjoying a career year at center, and the Cavs love using Channing Frye off the bench, especially because he shoots 3s (.458 3-point-shooting percentage, fifth best in the NBA). "
Another trade target the Cavaliers are monitoring is former Kentucky Wildcats Willie Cauley-Stein. The power forward / center has been backing up Koufos this season, averaging 5.0 points and 2.2 rebounds per ga,e.
Vadon believes Cauley-Stein will be a nice investment for the future, but it's unlikely the youngster will get significant playing time behind Tristan Thompson and floor-spacer Channing Frye.
"Cauley-Stein is in his second season and is playing as Koufos' backup. He'd be a good guy to have stashed on the bench, but not for what it would cost to acquire him. Where would you find time for either of these Kings in the playoff rotation?"
