Trade speculation is surrounding Kevin Love again, and in such a fashion that his Cleveland Cavaliers teammates reportedly thought last week’s meeting to announce the firing of coach David Blatt was to announce that he had been traded. Cavaliers general manager David Griffin said he is not looking to trade Love, but here are five teams that could make a deal if that changes.
5. Sacramento Kings
Getty ImagesIf the Kings actually make a strong push to trade DeMarcus Cousins, which is never totally out of the question, a deal with the Cavaliers that includes Love could be a match. But Love needs to start to play better quickly, or the currently slim chance of a swap with he and Cousins as the central pieces will disappear completely.
4. Portland Trail Blazers
Jason Miller Getty Images
On his most recent podcast, Bill Simmons suggested the Trail Blazers send guard C.J. McCollum for Love in a one-for-one deal. That may make sense for both sides, in terms of need and financial implications (luxury tax burden for Cleveland), but it's hard to justify Portland giving up a rising star for a defense-deficient big man who continually has some sort of drama surrounding him.
3. New Orleans Pelicans
Stacy Revere Getty ImagesFletcher Mackel of WDSU TV in New Orleans has laid out a few possible scenarios for the Pelicans to acquire Love, including a couple of three-team trades that would make it work. New Orleans is only four games out of the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, entering Tuesday's action, so general manager Dell Demps could justify making a big move for Love.
2. Boston Celtics
Streeter Lecka Getty ImagesThe Celtics could look to add a big name before the trade deadline, and they seem to have the depth to pull it off. If the Cavaliers are willing to take on David Lee's expiring contract, it probably wouldn't take much more from Boston's end to make a deal work.
1. Houston Rockets
Mike Ehrmann Getty ImagesThe Rockets have rebounded after a slow start, and the firing of Kevin McHale, to currently hold the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was an assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the early part of Love's time there, so there could be a fit between player and coach. If the Cavaliers are willing to take point guard Ty Lawson in a potential deal, and perhaps one or two more players to makes salaries line up, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey could make the move.
