(June, 9th 2016) By: Ira Barasch
It’s time to face an ugly truth, which everyone has accepted except the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love himself. The experiment has failed. In 152 games played for the Cavs, Love had averaged only 16.2ppg compared to the 26.1 the year before. He never truly found his niche in the offense. His game had dramatically declined, yet he’s still only 27 years old. Finding a place where he fits the system rather than the other way around is key for bringing back his drive and determination. Putting him on a younger team is also ideal, seeing as he can feel like more of a focal point in the offense while providing guidance for younger teammates. Granted, his contract situation isn’t the best, but with the cap rising the next two season teams should be less cautious to take on money for a legitimate star. With that being said let’s take a look at the five best spots for him to be traded this offseason.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers had their worst season in franchise history this past year. The drama surrounding the locker room and the constant coverage of Kobe Bryant’s last season stagnated the development of the young players on the roster. Coming into a new season with the second overall pick in the draft they have a great chance to right the ship. Adding a legitimate star to mentor and become the focal point of the offense would be a great help, and this is where Love enters. The second pick would probably go a long way to helping this trade, and helping this once great franchise return to the playoffs
Boston Celtics
This has been rumored for a while, and it definitely makes sense. The Celtics are on the cusp of becoming a power in the Eastern Conference, making the playoffs the past two years, their rebuild has been swift and effective. Aided by smart trades under the leadership of Danny Ainge and with the next big coach in Brad Stevens this team can utilize Kevin Love better than most teams on this list. The Celtics have the picks to make this trade happen, and with Isaiah Thomas as the floor general, Love would have a young, legitimate, point guard together with a young team to be able to compete in a weak conference for years
New York Knicks
Admittedly this is a longshot, yet it makes too much sense to pass up on. LeBron James is frustrated, wanting to bring a title to Cleveland for the first time in the Cavs history. He has a very close friend in a similar situation by the name of Carmelo Anthony. Calling up Melo in the offseason and asking to waive his no trade clause and come to Cleveland isn’t so far-fetched, and they have the perfect player for the Knicks in return, Kevin Love. A tandem of Love and budding superstar Kristaps Porzingis should make Knick fans excited, especially now that Jeff Hornacek is the head coach seeing as the faster tempo would help his game reach heights not seen in years if ever. Adding a point guard in free agency would not only a scary team with the pick and roll, but a legitimate playoff contender for years. This is a win win trade for both teams.
Miami Heat
With Chris Bosh questionable to return to the court due to blood clots, the heat must start to try and look for his replacement. While Love has less explosiveness than Bosh, he is a good shooter, passer, and can space the floor just as well. Again sticking in the weaker conference will help him, as well as having very solid pieces around him in Dwayne Wade, Loul Deng, Justice Winslow, and good point guard in Goran Dragic. The heat would be a dark horse to make it out of the East and to the Finals.
New Orleans
Again this a longshot, but just the idea of Love being paired with Anthony Davis should make basketball fans giddy with excitement. Davis is in desperate need of a teammate he can count on to help him realize his true potential. Adding Love into the mix, together with Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans, would give the Pelicans a solid core of players to go toe to toe with any team in the stacked Western Conference for years.
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