King James Gospel
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What if the Cavaliers do not make the Finals?

By Duane Rohrbacher

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) argues a referee’s call in a game against the Indiana Pacers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) argues a referee’s call in a game against the Indiana Pacers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Cleveland defeats Indiana 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cavs Could Trade K-Love

Even though he has played very well, the Cleveland Cavaliers likely would pull the plug on the Kevin Love experiment. Love did not play in most of the 2015 playoffs, and played only okay in the 2016 playoffs.

Finally, everything came together for Love during the 2017. But, in the playoffs, his 2pt shooting (42%) is bad, and his defense wavers. The Cavs can find cheaper, younger, 3pt options if that is the goal of someone in Love’s position.

The downside to getting rid of Love is that he is an amazing outlet passer, and he still gets a ton of rebounds (11+ in 2016-17). He is prone to injury, but his injuries never linger, and he is still only 28-years old. He is also somewhat of a hero in the playoffs with “lil’ Kev” serving as the Cavs unofficial mascot. Love’s value would be very high in the trade market, and the Cavs could get a top-shelf player or a high-end player with a 3-and-D specialist for Love’s services, especially with his high salary.

I, for one, hope this does not happen, but if the Cavs make a big move, it will involve Love.