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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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They’ve been here before. It’s better to land with Love than nothing.

While Cleveland wanted to deal him for Paul George last offseason, they should be happy to be left with a loyal, 29-year-old all-star forward. Love has the potential to keep the Cavaliers relevant in the East should LeBron abandon his throne.

Things could be worse. The 2011 Cavs saw their team achieve the best record in the league with LeBron the year before (61-21), to the second worst record in NBA history (19-63) in a season that included a 27 game losing streak. For the next four years, this team won only 97 of their 312 games. The mediocrity stopped when LeBron came back.

With Love, Cleveland wouldn’t have to wait for LeBron to compete again. They could stay near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Love also makes the Cavs a better destination for free agent recruitment. A successful pairing of the forward, a budding Colin Sexton, and a free agent like Brook Lopez or Tyreke Evans could compete for a mid-seed in the East. Think about them matching up against Washington, Miami, Milwaukee, Detroit, or Indiana.

The Cavs could cut their losses. They could work this offseason to trim the fat of their supporting cast in Jordan Clarkson, George Hill, Tristan Thompson, and J.R. Smith. Dumping these contracts would make room for another piece to add with Love in free agency.

Depending on the market, they might be able to sign a struggling Rodney Hood for cheap in hopes he returns to his Utah form—averaging 16 points and 39% shooting from three.

Cleveland appears to be keeping Kevin Love to give themselves the best chances at remaining competitive next season. He’s not only valuable as a player on his own, perhaps able to carry a team with a quality teammate into the first rounds of the playoffs, but also as an attraction to LeBron.

Love wants to keep playing with James. He wants to continue going to the Finals. His production and flexibility on the court make him a valuable asset to Cleveland regardless of LeBron’s future.

Next: 10 moves the Cleveland Cavaliers must make if LeBron leaves

*All stats compiled from basketball-reference.com.