Kevin Love could get traded to the Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers
Kevin Love may soon join the young core of the Phoenix Suns or Philadelphia 76ers as the Cleveland Cavaliers put together a blockbuster trade bringing Jimmy Butler or Paul George to the Land.
In the Cleveland Cavaliers pursuit of Jimmy Butler and Paul George, Kevin Love appears to be the odd man out.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Phoenix Suns could willing to part with the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and while the Suns receive Love, the soon-to-be-rebuilding Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers will receive the lottery pick and other young players. While player names haven’t been named specifically, point guard Brandon Knight and power forward Dragan Bender could be on the trade block after failing to live up to their potential last season.
The Philadelphia 76ers could be a landing spot for Love in a Butler trade, according to former agent Joe Kotoch.
Hearing if Cavs-Pacers talks go well 76ers could be included as a 3rd team & possible landing spot for Love if IND prefer picks & prospects.
— Joe Kotoch Real Estate (@luxuryagentchi) June 19, 2017
Such a trade would likely result in Chicago-native Jahlil Okafor being traded to the Bulls since he wants to start but Joel Embiid’s talents have made him the man in Philadelphia. Rookie of the Year candidate Dario Saric could be traded to the Bulls as well as Bulls power forward Nikola Mirotic is a restricted free agent. Gerald Henderson, a veteran shooting guard, could be added to the mix as well.
While a trade for George would need to be expected before the draft (or on draft night, the Cavs likely have the best trade package set in place for the forward with the Los Angeles Lakers unwilling to part with the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft or forward Brandon Ingram.
Basketball Insiders’ Steve Kyler gives a reason to believe that a trade for Butler would likely have to happen before July 27th since a trade for Butler might lead Dwyane Wade to opt out of his $23 million contract before his opt-out deadline (the 27th).
Would have to if they want picks in this draft... Wade's decision required by like the 27th. Trading Butler could force a decision https://t.co/jFlYXZBfTg
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 20, 2017
However, Love, Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert’s combined salaries are enough to allow them to take on Butler and Wade’s contracts.
The bigger obstacle would be finding takers for Shumpert and Frye, as it’s unrealistic to expect the 76ers to take their contracts and Love’s. A four-team trade is even more unlikely and as a result teams may be getting calls from the Cavs about trading for Shumpert and Frye individually or as a trade package.
With the Celtics seemingly willing to offer the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft for Butler, the Cavs probably don’t have until the 27th though. The draft will take place on June 22nd.
With speculation that LeBron James will leave in 2018, the Cavs have to put together a team that can beat the Golden State Warriors. Both Butler and George are dynamic forwards that allow the Cavs to matchup better with their positionless lineups than Love because of their perimeter defense and ability to score more ways than Love.
Love, who averaged 19.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game last season, had one of his better seasons defensively and his fullcourt outlet passes were a joy to watch. Shooting 37.3 percent from three-point range on 6.4 three-point attempts per game, Love is a unique forward. His skillset, All-Star caliber ability and his veteran presence would be invaluable for the Suns and 76ers.
This deal may come down to whether the Cavs want George or Butler. They may wait to replace David Griffin before making that decision.