NBA Trade Rumors: Brooklyn Nets And Cleveland Cavaliers Are Discussing Deal For Sasha Kaun
The Brooklyn Nets need to add more depth in the frontcourt and are reportedly talking to the Cleveland Cavaliers about acquiring the draft rights to 30-year old Russian center Sasha Kaun.
Sports Illustrated reports that the Nets had discussions with the Cavs about acquiring Kaun last week. Kaun, who was drafted with the No. 52 overall pick by the Seattle Supersonics in 2008, has spent his entire professional career playing in his native Russia with CSKA Moscow. The University of Kansas product has been eyeing a shot in the NBA, recently according to Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.
#Nets, Kaun have had mutual interest for a while now. They still need more frontcourt depth. @ChrisMannixSI says Cle-Bkn talking rights
— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzNYC) July 8, 2015
Six-foot-11 Kaun had his best Euroleague campaign of his career last season, helping CSKA Moscow to the Final Four of that competition for the fourth straight year. Kaun averaged 9.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in 20.1 minutes of action during the 30-game Euroleague season. He shot 69.1 percent from the field and 67.3 percent from the free throw line. According to Basketball-Reference, Kaun would of averaged 17.8 points and 8.0 rebounds had he seen 36 minutes of playing per game last year.
Kaun also played 37 games in the Russian VTB League last season, averaging 10.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. In six seasons with CSKA Moscow, he averaged 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds.
The Kansas City Star reported in June that Kaun retired from basketball. However, the next day after the story of his retirement broke, Kaun told the Journal-World that he was done with basketball in Russia but would pursue the NBA if any opportunities opened up.
Kaun is big, strong, and athletic — he possesses a 7-foot-6 wingspan. He is at his best in pick-n-roll situations and is a very good screener. He is an excellent finisher at the rim and possesses a decent baby hook.
Kaun also defends the pick-n-roll extremely well. His biggest weakness is rebounding on both ends of the floor.
If Kaun does indeed end up in Brooklyn this season, he will join Thaddeus Young and Brook Lopez — both of whom will re-sign with the team when the free agent moratorium is lifted for a combined $220 million — along with rookie Chris McCullough and veteran Thomas Robinson up front. Power forwards Earl Clark and Cory Jefferson are also on the roster but their contracts are not guaranteed. In addition, forward Mirza Teletovic is a restricted free agent.
The Nets finished last season with a disappointing 38-44 record though it was good enough for them to grab the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Nets, who have made three straight playoff appearance, lost in the first round in six games to the Atlanta Hawks.
[Photo via Eurocupbasketball.com]
