King James Gospel
Fansided

Why aren’t the Cleveland Cavaliers considering trading Kevin love?

By Doug Patrick

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 28: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena on January 28, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 28: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena on January 28, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 21: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before Game Four of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena on May 21, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 21: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before Game Four of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena on May 21, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Did LeBron kill the Cavs?

Although the 2018 Cavs experienced a similar collapse on the NBA’s biggest stage, the front office proved extremely willing to adhere to LeBron’s roster requests. That same veteran Heat team also decided to amnesty sharpshooter Mike Miller in the 2013 offseason.

LeBron disagreed and was unhappy with this move. It is probably no coincidence then that Mike Miller found his way onto the Cavs the next year.

More from King James Gospel

Since LeBron’s return, Cleveland has worked to ensure his happiness in their team’s construction. They’ve surrounded him with young stars like Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving for three of the four years of this run.

Even after losing Irving last offseason, the team worked to appease the King. The Cavs understood the limitations of their superstar guard’s replacements, and GM Koby Altman made blockbuster trades in February to reenergize the team with George Hill, Larry Nance JR, Jordan Clarkson, and Rodney Hood.

This move caught the attention and admiration of LeBron James. After the trade, he reportedly told teammate J.R. Smith, “We’ve got a f—ing squad now.”

While this new squad was swept in the Finals, Love remained a valuable contributor throughout Cleveland’s turbulence.

With the addition of an MVP candidate in Isaiah Thomas over the offseason, Love was expected to remain the team’s third option. He outplayed this initial ranking. He was this year’s Cavs’ leading rebounder (9.3), second-leading scorer (17.6), and most trusted free throw shooter (88%). Despite the increased responsibility, he did not crumble.

And when James wanted him to play center, he played center and did so effectively. Though not necessarily a jackknife, Love is a core and versatile piece to the Cavs machine.