Kevin Love Trade: 3 Teams that must make a move for the Cleveland Cavaliers forward

Following an injury-hit 2018-19 season, a healthy Kevin Love returned to the starting lineup last night as the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their season with a trip to Orlando. Love led the game in minutes (36) while posting 12 points, 18 rebounds, and 3 assists during a solid individual performance, however, the Cavs were once again collectively poor as they fell to an underwhelming 94-85 loss.

The Cavs have now won just 19 games since the departure of LeBron James last summer and based on their season opener, the team is at least a few years away from contending for a spot in the postseason. At 31, Love's remaining prime years are ticking, and the former Minnesota Timberwolves man continues to be linked with a trade. So, with the 19-20 season underway, here we will take a look at the three most likely trade destinations for Love.

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#3 Portland Trail Blazers

Kevin Love would form a Big 3 alongside CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard

With the excellent backcourt pairing of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers will once again be in the mix as they look to improve upon last season's trip to the Western Conference Finals. However, while they managed to sign Hassan Whiteside in the summer, the current roster is still missing a third scorer, and adding someone such as Love would be a huge statement of intent.

Love grew up in Oregon, and with the Trail Blazers in a strong position to contend, it could be the perfect time for the veteran to make his homecoming. The Trail Blazers may need a third team to facilitate a deal, however, Love's addition could prove to be all the difference as they pursue a first NBA title since 1977.

#2 Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin Love previously played for the Timberwolves between 2008 and 2014

The Minnesota Timberwolves have given the partnership of Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns plenty of time to develop, although the partnership has yet to yield success. In four seasons together, the Timberwolves have only reached the postseason once, and the 18-19 season was a huge step back as the team finished 13th in the West with a 36-46 record.

Due to his status as an All-Star, the Wolves will be keen to keep Towns for the long-term, although Wiggins has never lived up to his potential since being taken with the first pick in 2014. A return to the team that drafted him makes plenty of sense, while Love could experience a resurgence by heading back to the team where he enjoyed the best spell of his career.

During a memorable spell with the TImberwolves between 2008 and 2014, Love established himself as one of the NBA's elite talents, averaging 19.2 points and 8.5 rebounds over 364 appearances. While a return to Minnesota won't put the Wolves among the contenders for the title, his addition alongside Towns should be enough to secure a playoff berth in an increasingly crowded Western Conference.

#1 Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are on the search for a second star to play alongside Jimmy Butler

Following their surprise summer acquisition of Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat were believed to be eying Bradley Beal. However, the 26-year-old guard signed a new extension with the Washington Wizards last week - leaving Love as the biggest name that is expected to be available for trade.

The Heat's young talents impressed during their opening night win over the Memphis Grizzlies, although Butler turned 30 earlier this year, and simply can't afford to wait another two or three years as the current roster develops into stars.

This leaves the Heat among the NBA's most motivated buyers and they are also an attractive trade partner for the Cavs as they can offer emerging talent such as Justise Winslow. Ultimately, the Heat need to make a bold move following the acquisition of Butler, and Love is undoubtedly the best player available to them.