On the heels of the trade rumors surrounding the Celtics and Grizzlies, Grantland’s Zach Lowe offered this:
Aside to @ESPNSteinLine report on MEM/Green: Cavs/Bos/MEM had talked re 3-teamer that would have sent JG to MEM, Koufos to CLE, picks to BOS
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) January 8, 2015
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In that deal, Memphis is essentially trading Kosta Koufos for Jeff Green. Cleveland’s acquisition of Timofey Mosgov kills that scenario, but I’m wondering why Boston and Memphis can’t continue the dialogue.
A necessary requirement is the Celtics interest in the 7-foot Koufos. He’s an above average shot blocker and average rebounder, according to ESPN’s scouting report. Considering the Celtics problems protecting the rim, Koufos would be a gigantic upgrade. Why is Memphis willing to deal him? He’s a free agent looking to make significantly more than his current $3 million salary.
I took a peek at the Grizzly Bear Blues story about the Green rumor and those guys tab Tayshuan Prince and his $7 mil expiring contract, Koufos, Quincy Pondexter, Jon Leuer and Jordan Adams as potential pieces in any deal.
Leuer is a 6-10 PF who can’t defend. Forget him. Pondexter and Adams are wing players. We already have enough here (#FreeJamesYoung). That leaves Koufos as the only desirable piece for Boston. If Memphis were to dump Koufos, they might want a big in return.
So… a trade involving Green and Tyler Zeller for Koufos and Prince works in the trade machine.
Who says no?
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