The Cleveland Cavaliers lost in five games to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals where the Warriors showed their superiority over Cleveland after acquiring Kevin Durant last summer. Now, Cleveland’s job this offseason is to match the Warriors in talent, but they do not have much cap flexibility to make major changes. The best thing the Cavs can do is to either trade Kevin Love or Kyrie Irving. In this case, Love becomes the more viable asset since Irving has solidified his spot as a legitimate secondary superstar behind LeBron James. What can the Cavaliers get in return for Love?
They must pursue superstars that are on the verge of leaving their respective teams in the near future.
Kevin Love for Carmelo Anthony
The most talked about rumor is a Kevin Love trade for Carmelo Anthony, which was highly discussed at the trade deadline but never gained traction. After losing to the Warriors, Cleveland may re-visit talks with the New York Knicks, who seem ready to move past the Anthony era and make Kristaps Porzingis the new face of the franchise. The Knicks aren’t expected to ask for too much in return for Anthony, so Love would be a solid consolation prize.
Kevin Love for Jimmy Butler
A trade for Jimmy Butler seems more unlikely since the Chicago Bulls are still unsure whether they should part ways with their superstar swingman, but if they do, the Cavaliers may jump in to acquire him.
Again, they would have to give up Kevin Love to attain such talent. Butler would be a major defensive upgrade for the Cavaliers since he can defend multiple positions and is one of the best two-way players in the league. He would give LeBron James the chance to take it easy on the defensive side of the ball.
Kevin Love for Paul George
The Indiana Pacers are struggling to resolve the Paul George situation. George has stated over and over again that he would love to go back home to Los Angeles to play for the Lakers in 2018 since the Pacers haven’t made any strides to become a championship caliber team over the years. However, the idea of joining James and company to win a title would intrigue George, and the Pacers could ultimately trade his expiring contract and get some talent in return.
George would be a terrific fit alongside James, as he is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and doesn’t need the ball in his hands offensively to be effective.
Kevin Love for DeMarcus Cousins
In recent rumors, its been suggested that the Cavaliers may trade Kevin Love for DeMarcus Cousins to shore up the frontcourt by adding a big physical force in the middle. Cousins would be an upgrade over Love talent-wise, but Cleveland must keep their emotions in check. Cousins has a reputation of destroying chemistry because he is unwilling to listen to coaches and tends to get in trouble with the NBA for on-court antics. Perhaps James and a winning culture would change Cousins, and if it does, the big man would be a terrific fit for the Cavs, and a major upgrade.
