Since joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, Kevin Love has seen and heard his name included in countless trade rumors. Whispers of package deals or what the team may be able to get in return have been creeping into corner bars and barbershops for quite some time.
However, now that they have shipped Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics, the Cavs will likely be looking to utilize Love more often. In fact, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reports that the Cavs have no plans of trading the former UCLA Bruin.
“The Cavs have contemplated trading Love off and on almost since (the 2015 Finals), though they have no plans to do so right now, sources say. (Love does not have much standalone trade value.) They nearly flipped him for Paul George in a three-team trade in late June.”
There is no doubt that Love has played an extremely important role in the Cavs’ recent success. Deadly three-point shooting, tenacious rebounding, and on-the-money outlet passes are all elements of his game. In his 60 games played for the Cavs last season, “K-Love,” as he is known, averaged 19 points on 43 percent shooting from the field (37 percent from downtown), 11.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and just under one steal (.9) in 31.4 minutes per contest.
The start of the 2017-18 NBA season is approaching fast. Teams have made their offseason moves and are now preparing for the upcoming grind. The Cavs made moves as well, it’s true. However, it seems Love will continue to be in the Northeast Ohio air for the foreseeable future.
