With the playoff emergence of Channing Frye, Cleveland’s frontcourt suddenly feels a bit crowded, especially given the massive amount of money they’re paying Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson. Would Toronto deal Love this offseason? The Boston Celtics are long-time suitors for the sweet-shooting stretch-4, and reportedly tried to acquire him at this year’s trade deadline, but were turned down. From ESPN’s Zach Lowe:
Whether the Cavs should really pay Love and Thompson $36 million combined to scrounge crunch-time minutes is a question for the offseason. Boston made an offer for Love at the deadline, sources have told ESPN.com, and though the Cavs found it disatisfying, the Celtics may call again if other stars higher on their list aren’t available.
Love has been a bit of a letdown for the Cavaliers at times. He impacts the team’s defense in a noticeably negative way, and so if he isn’t scoring and rebounding at superstar-level, how much is he really helping the team? And Love’s offense has, at times, been lacking. This shot chart of Love’s last eight games is very telling
Kevin Love’s shot chart in his 8 May games. April showers, May WannaPassOuttaThePost pic.twitter.com/dYeBwBT8GA
— Michael Gallagher (@MikeSGallagher) May 24, 2016
Love has missed 17 of his last 20 shots from within three feet! THREE FEET!!! That is just, really, really bad. It’s legitimately hard to believe.
Love has actually shot very well from the perimeter this postseason: 42.5% three-point shooting on 6.7 attempts per game. However, his shooting within the three-point line has been absolutely putrid; Love is shooting just 36.3% from the floor this postseason.
Love was phenomenal in Minnesota, where he was able to be the focus of the offense. In Cleveland, he’s the third choice after LeBron James and Kyrie Irivng. Perhaps on a team like Boston –where he would once again be the first scoring option– he could return to his Minnesota form.
