Cleveland can keep Kevin Love
Another player linked to both Cleveland and Houston in the last few weeks is Paul George. The Pacers star has expressed a desire to leave Indiana in free agency next year, and preferably join the Lakers. As contending teams, both the Cavaliers and Rockets are attempting to trade for George to make a championship run.
The Cavaliers would likely need to give up Kevin Love, a major asset, in order to land George. His name has been brought up in several trade scenarios over the last several weeks.
League sources: Cavs, Pacers and Nuggets have discussed a three-way deal that would land Paul George in Cleveland and Kevin Love in Denver
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2017
Sources tell AmicoHoops ex-#Cavs GM Griffin had been exploring several trades centered on Kevin Love. Those talks remain ongoing.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) June 20, 2017
With Anthony being a buyout candidate that would likely sign with Cleveland at a discount, the Cavs may not have to give up Love to bring him in. This would allow the team to get better without sacrificing an All-Star talent. Love had his best season in a Cavaliers uniform last year, averaging 19.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.
Adding Carmelo Anthony, a 22.4 point per game scorer, to a championship winning core could put the Cavaliers back on even footing with their rivals, the Golden State Warriors.
In conclusion, the Cavs offer Anthony a better chance at success and more camaraderie than Houston. It would be easier for the Cavs to bring Anthony in, given his situation with the Knicks. If Melo is indeed part of the Cavaliers’ roster for the 2017-18 season, these may be the reasons why.