Kevin Love was a sensational player during his tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was a great rebounder and a versatile scorer, but he just couldn't turn the Timberwolves into a successful team. Because of this, he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers three years ago, and he won a championship ring with them in 2016.
While he definitely found success with the Cavaliers, his production has drastically decreased when compared to his time in Minnesota. Once a superstar, Kevin Love was often seen as the third wheel in Cleveland. LeBron James is the first option and the leader, and Kyrie Irving was his sidekick.
Now, Irving is gone and it seems that things will change in Cleveland. However, it seems that the defending Eastern Conference champions have no intention of trading Kevin Love. The Cavaliers will most likely keep the power forward, at least for one more season.
Kevin Love to stay in Cleveland
Love has been included in numerous trade rumors this offseason, which is nothing unusual. However, the Cavaliers attempted to trade him earlier this summer, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN. In their attempt to acquire Paul George, the Cavaliers included Kevin Love in three-team trade talks. At the end, the trade did not go through and George was shipped to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, a lot of things have changed since then and the Cavaliers look different now.
The biggest chance happened at the point guard position as Cleveland sent Kyrie Irving to Boston for Isaiah Thomas. It seems they are done making big moves this summer as they reportedly have no plans to trade Love.
Love averaged 19.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game last season. The power forward also shot 37.3 percent from the long range and he set career high in free throw percentage with 87.1 percent.
Last season was his best season in Cleveland and the Cavaliers should definitely keep him on the roster.
Kevin Love's role
Even though Kyrie Irving is gone, Kevin Love's role will most likely stay unchanged. Irving was replaced by Isaiah Thomas, who was the third-best scorer in the NBA last season. Considering how good he is, Thomas will probably be the second option on the team, behind James.
However, the point guard will be sidelined for a few months and he might return to action next year. During this period, Love will definitely have a much bigger responsibility and he is expected to further improve his numbers.
