Wed, Jan 7, 2015 at 4:33pm

NUGGETS MOVE MOZGOV TO CAVS FOR PICKS

The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired center Timofey Mozgov and a second-round draft pick in 2015 from the Denver Nuggets for two protected first-round draft picks in 2015 (one via Memphis, one via Oklahoma City).

What does it give the Cleveland Cavaliers
With big Anderson Varejao out for the season due to an Achilles injury, the Cavaliers have been leaning on power forward Tristan Thompson in the middle. Mozgov is more of a true center, and his relationship with Cavs head coach David Blatt (from their time together with the Russian national squad) makes him a nice overall fit. Mozgov is an underrated pivot, and should help Cleveland become a true contender. That said, the Cavs might regret this move if the Grizzlies struggle (since the Memphis first-round draft pick can be between Nos. 6 and 14 this summer). The Oklahoma City selection is protected for picks 1 to 18.

What does it give the Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are in tough for a playoff spot this season (they sit 11th in the West) and this move suggests they're now playing for the future. They do a nice job of cashing in on a solid starter in Mozgov, and there's a good chance they'll wind up with two very solid draftees as a result (either this summer, or in later years if the picks aren't used in 2015). This move also opens up significant playing time for emerging rookie center Jusuf Nurkic.

Fantasy impact
Snap up Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic as soon as possible. He's been excellent in limited minutes this season, and is capable of dominating for fantasy teams in the blocked shots and rebounds categories. Also keep an eye on underrated Denver big man JJ Hickson, who has played like a star in the past. On the Cleveland side of this deal it may be time to drop Tristan Thompson, who has been piling up rebounds lately as a starter but will obviously lose significant minutes to Mozgov.