There’s an undeniable angst in the city of Cleveland. It’s lasted practically all season, and became even more apparent when David Blatt was let go as head coach in January. Other signs have come from reports about LeBron’s frustrations, possible issues with Kyrie Irving’s “selfish” style of play, and of course, the ongoing speculation that Kevin Love won’t last in Cleveland.
It’s become a high-stakes pressure situation in Cleveland, the kind of situation that could result in any number of outcomes. If the situation were to go south for the Cavs, and Love did become somewhat available this summer, Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post reports that the Denver Nuggets would be incredibly interested in making a deal:
Understand that this situation has led antennas to be up all around the NBA in regards to possibly acquiring players from the Cavs in the summer.
Understand that Denver is one of the teams paying special attention. The reason? You already know the name: Kevin Love. The conditions would be ripe for another Nuggets run at the high-production star.
Denver was in the hunt for Love when he was on the trade block out of Minnesota in 2014.
The only way the Cavaliers might start to really consider trading Love this summer is if they experience a legitimate implosion in the playoffs. Based on their standing, anything less than another trip to the Finals would be considered an underachievement.
A loss in this year’s playoffs would force the Cavaliers’ hand to do something different to A) conform more to how new coach Tyronn Lue wants to play, and B) to better position themselves to win the title that LeBron so desperately wants for this town.
The best way to do that and get helpful assets in return is to deal Love, which will help clear some of the air and probably clear some of the major financial burden they’re on the hook for with him — four more years at over $93 million.
Pulling the trigger on a Love trade would create more flexibility for the Cavs financially and would give them a chance to re-construct their assets. A team like Denver has diverse player assets as well as draft picks to offer.
The Nuggets are well-positioned to restock Cleveland with draft picks and veteran players in their prime that can thrive in the up-tempo, space-the-floor game that the Cavaliers ultimately want to make part of their DNA. The Nuggets organization probably has just two untouchable players — rookies Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic — clearing a path for it to do whatever it feels is fair in potential packages in an attempt to trade for Love.
Kevin Love is averaging a career-low 15.8 points per game this season. His value on the floor, particularly on the offensive end, is still true. He can still get you a double-double and create shots for himself inside and out. LeBron James tactically constructed this Big 3 with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love because he knew it’s potential. He also knew what the expectation would be — quick success.
If LeBron’s vision for this group doesn’t come to fruition, and a visible implosion were to occur in the playoffs, the Cavs will have the option to send Love where he’s more concertedly needed, to a place like Denver, and all parties might just be better for it.
