Kevin Love‘s name has surfaced once again in trade rumors this season, but after the big man played a key role in helping the team secure a championship, the Cavaliers don’t appear too interested in moving him. For his part, Love told reporters on Friday that he expects to remain in Cleveland “for a long time” (Associated Press report via ESPN.com).
[RELATED: Knicks haven’t given up pursuit of Kevin Love]
This year’s round of rumors involving Love has centered on the Knicks, with a report last week suggesting that Cleveland had rebuffed New York’s efforts to work out a swap involving Love and Carmelo Anthony.
“I predicted that,” Love said with a laugh when he was asked about the Knicks’ reported interest. “I said it doesn’t matter if I have an All-Star year or its one start or the other, it’s always going to be there, right?”
Although it doesn’t appear the Knicks have given up on the idea of landing Love, multiple sources tell Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com that the Cavs don’t have a whole lot of interest in Anthony, and that they have even less interest in trading Love for him. While acquiring Anthony isn’t totally out of the question for the Cavs, it’s “mostly” out of the question, per Vardon.
Meanwhile, Love was indeed named an NBA All-Star for the fourth time overall and the first time since he became a Cavalier. The 28-year-old is averaging 19.9 PPG, 11.0 RPG, and 2.6 3PG in 41 games so far this season. Those marks are his best since his days with the Timberwolves.
Still, the Cavs won’t entirely rule out the possibility of moving Love, since the only truly untouchable player on their roster is LeBron James, says Vardon. But any Love deal would have to make the team better this season, and there aren’t many scenarios that fit that bill. Both the Cavs and Love himself view a deal this month as highly unlikely, sources tell Vardon.
Love, who has been sidelined this week due to a back injury, is expected to return to Cleveland’s lineup on Saturday.
Not really sure what they could trade for to upgrade over Love, honestly. It wouldn’t and shouldn’t be Melo. Love is fine where he is.
Cavs don’t need to do anything major. They are still defending champs and they won the finals they played with Love and lost the one they played without him. But, if they want to be proactive like LeBron seems to suggests they should be, then it almost has to involve Love. He’s the only guy (other than LeBron and Irving) that has any real trade value and might be better maximized elsewhere.
I think all of this is way overblown. I’m a huge Melo fan, but I really don’t see how he is a better fit around LeBron and Kyrie like some have argued. I think LeBron is just wanting as strong of depth as they had last year. They miss a player like Delly at backup PG who can come in and run an offense with the bench, and step in to go small with the starters where they can give LeBron and Kylie breaks in initiating sets and at least play solid perimeter defense.
Cavs should absolutely trade Love. The cavs won the championship last year and Love contributed basically nothing until game 7 with the way he was on the boards for that game. You have to give him credit for that but other than game 7 Love was a total non factor. Trade Love and get 3-4 players that can contribute back.
If they were to trade Love for 3-4 players, as you suggest, then they would have to cut 2-3 of their own players. That kind of deal only makes sense for a rebuilding team that has no aspirations of winning the title. Makes zero sense for the Cavs. Love will not be moved this year
Trading love hurts their rebounding, which is important for them b/c of their defensive issues. if they could move Love for a defensive wing that can shoot, as well as a big that can defend pick and roll and protect the rim, and move LeBron to the 4, it would make more sense than adding Melo for that position. Otherwise, they should probably hold onto Love for now. He has improved in certain areas. They just need to look to reverse that terrible trade they recently made by adding a wing or defensive minded guard and a big on the cheap, either through current available free agents or waiting for buyouts
Cavs should trade Lebron to Boston for Jerebko. Cavs would come out big winners in that deal
The Cavs need to trade Kevin love for Demarcus Couisin for durability and rim protection by given LeBron James more rest during the regular season and especially doing the playoffs. Kevin is great but prone to injury and concussions.