Kevin Love was one of several players placed into multiple trade rumors before the deadline this season. The Cleveland Cavaliers power forward has struggled with fitting on his new team and that has led to much speculation on his future with the franchise.
One widely regarded rumor had the Boston Celtics as a major suitor for Love’s services. That speculation included a potential three-team trade that would have included New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony moving to Cleveland.
Now, it appears as though the trade was actually a one-on-one offer between the Celtics and Cavs and that Boston low-balled Cleveland in attempting to trade for the former star.
Following from ESPN’s Zach Lowe:
If they lose again, I’d bet big on Love being elsewhere — a split that might end up the best thing for everyone. Cleveland and Boston had trade talks for Love at the deadline, though they died with Boston offering a low-ball package the Cavs wouldn’t consider, according to several league sources. Even if Boston’s interest has faded, someone will call Cleveland about Love around the draft.
Boston and general manager Danny Ainge have been rumored to be interested in Love for years now, dating back to his time in Minnesota. However, the power forward is now at his all-time low in value and most teams would not be willing to give up much for him without proof that he can go back to the form that made him one of the best players in the league.
I agree with Lowe that Kevin Love will be gone sooner rather than later, especially with the team trading for Channing Frye who can take over the role as a shooting big-man to stretch the floor. It may be for the best for both parties.
Boston, meanwhile, has been looking for a star for a long time now. They have a solid team built around Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder but to do anything in the playoffs, they would need more. Love could be the perfect fit there, with head coach Brad Stevens likely to find a better fit for the big man. The Celtics are also flush with assets, having multiple draft picks and young players they can throw at Cleveland.
At this point, it all becomes a matter of how much Boston is willing to give up for Love, and how much Cleveland thinks Love is worth.
