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The NBA offseason is underway, and it has been exciting. Some of the NBA's biggest stars have signed with new teams. For example, at the start of the free agency period, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving joined forces and signed with the Brooklyn Nets. The duo of Durant and Irving will be joined by center DeAndre Jordan. The center last played 19 games for the New York Knicks but will travel to a different area in the city and will play for the Nets.
Other moves include Jimmy Butler going to the Miami Heat, Al Horford joining the Philadelphia 76ers, and Kemba Walker signing with the Boston Celtics.
The offseason is typically known for huge free agent signings such as the ones mentioned above. It is also a chance for teams to fill voids within their roster with quality role players (such as Danny Green or Rajon Rondo). This year is a bit different. This year, one lucky team could strike it big in a trade and acquire a second or third option. The lucky team has a chance of getting Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love.
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In the last few weeks, rumors circulated that Kevin Love is on the trade market and could be on his way out of Cleveland. The veteran forward signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the Cavs last summer after LeBron James' departure. However, Love played 22 games this season as the Cavs struggled through the season.
An unnamed source told The Athletic on June 30 that the Cavaliers could receive offers for Love throughout the summer. While the Cavaliers claim that they have no interest in trading Love, this is a business. There is a chance that a trade could happen and some teams could benefit from Love's abilities. Here are three teams that should trade for Kevin Love.
#3 Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers had an impressive season and exceeded expectations. They reached the Western Conference finals after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. They faced the Golden State Warriors in the Conference finals but got swept by the former champions.
The Blazers showed that they have a bright future and can be contenders for the NBA title, but they're missing something. The Blazers would benefit from another piece to add to their backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. This is where Love steps in.
Love is an Oregon native who spent most of his life in the state. He was born in California but was raised in Oregon and attended high school there before his college days at UCLA. The "hometown" player not only has a chance to play for his home team but an opportunity to join a legitimate side.
The Cavaliers are a rebuilding team, but the players are (becoming) established. The Blazers are playoff bound and proved that they can compete with the best of their conference. Their talent and tenacity are what helps them succeed. With the addition of Love, the Blazers will have another offensive threat to go along with their skilled backcourt. It is a win-win for both sides.
Channing Frye, Love's former teammate even advocated for the move. He shared his thoughts in a tweet last month and referenced a conversation he had with friends. He said, Love going to the Blazers would "shake up the West."
The Blazers recently acquired Hassan Whiteside from the Heat in a four-team trade. The move came after Whiteside opted into his contract with the Heat. If the Blazers plan to keep Whiteside, he could be a valuable asset to their team. If they decide to move him, he can be used towards a trade for Love. If the Cavs and Blazers make a straightforward trade for both players (and maybe draft picks) the trade works. If this happens, the Blazers get another threat on the offensive end, and the Cavs get a legitimate center. So, it could potentially work for both teams.
Trade: The Cavaliers receive Hassan Whiteside, and the Blazers receive Kevin Love
#2 Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are in desperate need of a fresh start. Over the summer, there are rumors of a conflict between their stars, Chris Paul and James Harden.
The Rockets are also coming off of a disappointing playoff run. As a team that was considered a threat to the Warriors, the Rockets disappointed in the playoffs and lost to the Warriors in the second round. The Warriors beat the Rockets 4-2.
Despite a phenomenal season from Harden, the Rockets could not get it done. So, one has to ask, "what's next for the Rockets?"
For starters, some of their key players are the subject of trade rumors. Eric Gordon, Clint Capela and even Chris Paul have come up as players potentially on the move. The Rockets have yet to meet their expectations, and changes are needed. If it requires getting rid of one of these players, it must be done. One way this can happen is a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Rockets have a few assets that they can trade in order to acquire Love. If they choose to part ways with Capela, Gordon, or even PJ Tucker, the Rockets can add another offensive weapon to their arsenal.
Love can knock down three-point shots, which makes him even more valuable to the Rockets. Rockets head coach Mike D'Atoni typically has teams that play fast-paced and shoot tons of three-pointers. If Love can adjust, his skill could benefit the Rockets.
A duo of Harden and Love is a nice combination, but if The Beard and Paul reconcile, this trio would be even better for the franchise. The Houston Rockets need help, and if they land Kevin Love, this could be the move they need.
The Rockets can land Love by trading Clint Capela and another piece such as Iman Shumpert to the Cavs. Then, they can acquire Love. It is also important to consider things such as draft picks and expiring contracts in trades such as this one.
Trade: The Cavs trade Kevin Love in exchange for Clint Capela and Iman Shumpert.
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a team trying to get over the hump. They are a talented team but cannot make a deep playoff run. In the past three seasons, the Thunder were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. In the 2016-17 season, they lost to the Houston Rockets 4-1. The Thunder lost to the Utah Jazz the following year in a 4-2 series. This season, they lost to the Portland Trailblazers in a 4-1.
The Thunder have a duo of Paul George and Russell Westbrook. But apart from them, they have nothing much to offer. Like the Blazers, the Thunder could benefit from another legitimate offensive player. Love gives the Thunder what they'd need. At the start of the offseason, George and Westbrook underwent surgeries to rid themselves of nagging injuries. George had surgery on a partially torn tendon in his right shoulder and intended to have another procedure in his left shoulder. Westbrook repaired a torn ligament in a finger on his left hand and had a procedure on his right knee. Both players will recover over the summer.
If George, Love and Westbrook stay healthy and coincide, the trio could compete with the elite teams of the Western Conference.
Love could reunite with his UCLA teammate in Westbrook. Both players were in the 2008 draft and were drafted back to back. The Thunder (then Supersonics) drafted Westbrook, and the Memphis Grizzlies drafted Love but traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves. If the Cavaliers and Thunder agree to a deal, the former Bruins could join forces.
At the moment, there is a rumored trade offer between the Cavs and Thunder. Love joins the Thunder if OKC is willing to part with Steven Adams. This trade works on trade machine (like the Rockets trade, consider other assets such as draft picks) and benefits both teams. The Cavs get two young players with upside (Diallo and Ferguson) and a center in Adams. Then, the Thunder get another player to pair with Westbrook and George.
Trade: The Cavaliers receive Steven Adams, Terrence Ferguson, and Hamidou Diallo in exchange for Kevin Love.
With the right team, Kevin Love could be a valuable piece. If any of the rumors are true, fans can expect Love in a new uniform. These three times are right near contention but are missing something. My response, "all you need is Love."
