Festus to Denver?
Now this is where things turn from rumors to reality.
As reported, Denver was set to acquire injury-riddled Ezeli right before the deadline, but opted for Roy Hibbert instead.
Ezeli is only guaranteed $1 million next season should he be cut before June 30th, so this could be the signal of something more than a salary dump.
The Nigerian big-man was supposed to be the enforcer down low on a bargain contract. But, that contract only came so small because of injury concerns.
Those concerns have led to setbacks which have led to Ezeli not stepping on the court this season.
Maybe the Blazers have lost optimism of the center ever donning Rip City colors, and are ready to cut him loose.
His contract is cap-friendly, though, so it’s possible Olshey wanted to try and get an asset in exchange. Milwaukee did get a heavily protected second round pick, and the Blazers very well could have gotten the same thing.
There have been rumors around Ezeli before, and his uncertainty for this season is something to watch.