Based off pure speculation and opinion, it seems doubtful that the Cleveland Cavaliers deal 5x All-Star Kevin Love this season.
I’m certainly not a believer that the Cleveland Cavaliers are this loyal franchise that fully separate star loyalty and business decision making. That said, it seems in everyone’s best interest to keep Kevin Love in Cleveland at least past this season.
Why’s that though? Well, depending on how Love plays to begin the season will certainly determine his trade value. Regardless of his play, it’d be wise for Gilbert to keep Love put.
Assuming he goes off, do the Cavaliers really want to trade their centerpiece for a few picks, being the new face of disloyalty while losing out on numerous ticket sales on every game. On the flip side, if he doesn’t do well, the Cavs wouldn’t entertain offers that are enough value for Love.
Love should receive his sixth all-star appearance this season, meaning he’s at least good enough to be a top 25-30 player in the league. With Quicken Loans Arena just finishing up a $140 million renovation project, Gilbert should understand the value of selling tickets.
Selling tickets brings in not only the value of the ticket but also some in merchandising and a significant amount in concessions and alcohol sales. That said, Gilbert, from a business perspective, doesn’t want to see empty seats, and having star players is one way to fill a stadium.
A similar situation occurred last season when the Clippers and Pistons made a trade that sent Blake Griffin to the Pistons and Tobias Harris plus several other assets to Los Angeles. Griffin was a borderline MVP candidate before being traded.
While that seems like a possibility for Cleveland, being a mid-market team, it’s unlikely they are able to bring more fans in with any trade they make for Love. Bringing in Tobias Harris and playing for the future is something the Cavs could’ve already planned for, but they didn’t.
They signed Kevin Love to a four-year extension which locks him in the for the next five years. That extension totaled $120 million and decreases as it ages, making his then team-friendly contract more appealing to opposing teams.
Love is set to make max-value for the two middle seasons of his new contract, a total not ideal to any team looking to make a championship run. However, for Cleveland, it is wise not to deal Love in order to plan for the future as well.
For the 2022-2023 season, Love will be making $28.9 million which for the level he should still be playing at is a bargain considering Wiggins will be making over $33 million. Then, Love’s fan-favorite status might be all but over, and the Cavs should be able to get something for him.
Unless the Cavs have a trade for a superstar like Jimmy Butler in their pocket, let’s squash any idea of Love leaving the land this season. Gilbert like money too much, and the Cavs fanbase appeaciate Love too much to see him disrespected after his celebrated extension.