The ‘IF Kevin Love is Traded, For Who?’ Piece

Dec 27, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward

(7) looks on from the court against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings won 135-129 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Yes this is a trade that we have  thought about as a possibility no matter how unlikely.

Carmelo Anthony, with all of his flaws, has the ability to be a truly great offensive player. His knee injury is a concern for this season but if the Cavs make a trade of Love it won’t only be for this season but for years to come. Anthony was said to be interested in teaming up with LeBron James in Miami this off-season so the two of them could be interested in this as well. For the Cavs, Anthony would replace much of what Love gives them. He can be a great offensive player, a stretch 4 with the Cavaliers, who struggles on defense. While Love’s issues on the defensive end often seem to be skill and athleticism, Anthony’s has seemed more due to effort.

For the Knicks Love could be a player they can build around that would actually draw players to New York. Anthony’s playing style, much like Kobe Bryant‘s, is not one that draws players to want to play with him. Love is a great shooter and rebounder as well as a selfless passer. That is the kind of guy the Knicks could sell, along with playing in New York, to a number of players. They also get out from under Anthony’s 5 year deal in the process.

The trade would need some massaging to make the cap numbers work but anything is possible. If J.R. Smith was able to be traded we would have sent him back to the Knicks just to make the trade work. If both teams wanted to make this happen they could find a way to bridge the gap.

Thoughts: There is not another player in the NBA that I dislike watching play basketball more than Carmelo Anthony. It is an interesting trade that could give the Cavs the sort of player they were hoping they were getting with Love, and that we expect to see the rest of the season, but that could also backfire. Only if Love made it clear he was leaving at the end of the season, LeBron James requested the trade and no other suitable trades could happen would I be okay with this trade.

Next: Trade Partner: Denver Nuggets

Dec 20, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) drives to the basket during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 76-73. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets have not been able to find a good balance to their team. They have talented players but are not able to make it all fit together. Part of that is the lack of a star player. Outside of Ty Lawson not one player on their team sets themselves apart as a foundation player. They paid Kenneth Faried as one but he is a rebounding, energy, open floor guy, not a Franchise Player. For the Nuggets Love is a Franchise guy and would fit perfectly with Lawson.

For the Cavaliers Gallinari has the size to step in as their Stretch 4 player that they need badly. Injuries have limited him, as well as his fit on the Nuggets, but he could return to his 37% from 3 point land from last season to greatly help the Cavs. He averaged 16.2 points and 5.3 rebounds a game last year. Afflalo is a two way player that can step in as the Cavs starting shooting guard or provide high quality depth off the bench. He is averaging 15.4 point per game, shooting 44% from the field and 35% from 3 point land.

The Cavs would likely seek either or both of their draft picks back from the Mozgov deal to make the trade more equitable. Trading one starter, who has a high ceiling but hasn’t been able to deliver in his first season with the Cavs, for two starters and draft compensation may be the best the Cavs could do for Love. This is the type of trade that would not happen until the last minute of the NBA Trade Deadline but one that would shake up the league. The Cavs add depth, and draft pick(s) while the Nuggets get their star player.

Thoughts: If Gallinari didn’t have knee issues this is the type of trade I think the Cavs would have to try to make. They get someone who can replace the role they hoped love would fill while also adding a needed two way player like Afflalo. The Cavs would demand some type of draft considerations to help them continue to build, via the draft or using them in trades, a team with 2 stars and a ton of other talent. The Cavs would get killed for this move in the media but it could be a solid decision long term.

Next: Trade Partner: Golden State Warriors