It was exactly six months ago today that Kevin Love signed a four-year contract extension with the Cavaliers that locked him up through the 2022/23 season. That means, since players who sign veteran extensions can’t be dealt for six months, Love is now once again eligible to be traded.
[RELATED: Special Trade Eligibility Dates For 2018/19]
With two weeks left until the February 7 deadline, it’s possible the Cavs will explore the trade market in search of a Love deal, but there are two potential roadblocks in the way of such a move. Love’s health is one of those roadblocks. The other? Cleveland may just not want to trade him.
Sources tell Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com that the Cavaliers’ stance on Love hasn’t changed since he signed his extension, and that the club wants to keep him in Cleveland for the foreseeable future. According to Fedor, the franchise values his leadership and his “set-the-tone work ethic” in addition to what he can do on the court when he’s healthy.
Even if the Cavs wanted to move Love, his health would be a red flag for any potential trade partner, though he appears to be making progress toward a return from his foot injury. According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic (Twitter link), the veteran power forward participated fully in a non-contact practice for the Cavs today.
Last we heard, Love was unsure about his recovery timeline, speculating that he may be ready to play again sometime around the All-Star break. Head coach Larry Drew said that there’s still no timetable for Love’s return, per Vardon.
Cavs are busy Tanking so they can get their 1,345,876 1st overall pick in the last 10 years
You’re mistaking Cavs for the team that invented the process
A healthy Love would look good for the Sixers, maybe edge them over Milwaukee, Boston and Toronto. But his health is such a wildcard both short and longterm. Rival GMs should be asking for a future 1st just to take on his salary. Sixers likely need to wait for ZBo and Dedmon to get bought out. Cavs basically bid against themselves resigning him.
If the Knicks don’t trade Kanter for ZBo first. Also if Dedmon was bought out and he had a choice between 6ers & GS, is there a more obvious choice?
Love for Butler.
Butler gets to be THE MAN and Love would be able to sit in the corner and shoot 3s all day. Be a good PnR with Simmons too
Love, Zizac, and Frye to the suns for Jackson, Anderson, and Melton
The cavs get their next SF of the future and a good backup guard in Melton.
The Suns have been bad for too long. A starting lineup of Booker, Oubre, Warren, Love, and Ayton could finally make something happen
Yea it’s more likely to be a lineup of Booker, Bridges, Warren, Ayton and whatever PG the sign regardless of trading Jackson. Jackson isnt as valuable as you think.
Love would be a great offensive fit next to Ayton, but defensively… Trainwreck.
Love has not had a shotblocker like Ayton behind him.
Anyway, it’s all Love’s call.
I think Melton is the future starter, not Jackson!
He’s the same player now as he was when the signed him. So, there’s little chance (like close to zero) that they’d be looking to trade him to get off his contract.
Send him to LA!
I would be intrigued to see a team with Love, Sexton, Osman, and Zion next season.