NBA Trade Rumors 2016: After Blatt Firing, Will Kevin Love, Timofey Mozgov Be Traded?
Since head coach David Blatt has been let go by the Cleveland Cavaliers, two active players on the roster are believed to be headed towards the exit door, as well.
Last week, news broke about the firing of Blatt, who was appointed as the team's head coach in 2014. According to a report by Chris Haynes for Cleveland.com, Blatt was let go due to four major reasons: player accountability, mismanaging, a "building frustration" and the "absence of hope".
Haynes went on to give specific scenarios, particularly in instances during the 2014-2015 season where Blatt was allegedly "reluctant" to criticize erring players. He adds that the 56-year-old coach often blew his whistle to call phantom fouls for his main players.
The report adds that Blatt would also have a difficult time drawing plays during the limited minutes that is given to each coach during timeouts. Prior to his first stint in the NBA, Blatt served as a coach for various teams in the European Basketball League.
He has picked up various honors, including the 2014 Euroleague Coach of the Year award.
But apparently, Blatt's firing could determine the fate of two other Cleveland Cavaliers players. In a report by Nathan Francis for the Inquisitr, big men Kevin Love and Timofey Mozgov are rumored to be on the next trading block.
The report adds that prior to Blatt's firing; the coach had told friends, "It's either me or Kevin Love," noting his inability to further develop Love's skillset.
For this season, Love is currently averaging 15.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.9 steals in 32.4 minutes of playing time per game.
Mozgov, on the other hand, has been previously criticized for underperforming as of late. Teammate and two-time champion LeBron James has been the most vocal about it.
The 29-year old Russian player is currently averaging 6.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.4 assists, and 0.8 blocks, on 17.9 minutes of playing time per game.
However, according to a recent ESPN report, the Cavs general manager David Griffin has clarified that the team is not looking to let go of Love any time soon.
