The NBA trade rumors continue and Kevin Love, for yet another year, is a hot commodity at the deadline.
It seems like an eternity ago when Kevin Love was averaging close to 27 points and over 12 rebounds a game, but that was only in 2013-2014. In his hopes of finally making the playoffs and even a possible title run, he agreed to a trade to play with LeBron James in Cleveland, and he even re-signed.
Despite the denials and the long-term contract, there are still rumblings that the Cleveland Cavaliers are indeed still shopping the former rebound leader. While it's unlikely that it would be the rumored three-way trade involving Carmelo Anthony, it's a safe bet that the Boston Celtics would be involved, as Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com admitted.
"Despite General Manager David Griffin's claim that Love is unlikely to be dealt, carrying a high price tag, Love's name continues to be at the center of rumblings because of his inconsistent production and continued struggles to fit alongside James and Kyrie Irving," Fedor mentioned.
It should be noted that Love already took a tour of Boston and it was all over the internet, but that was before Rajon Rondo was also dealt by the Celtics. Since then, the Celtics have achieved their two-fold goal of stockpiling assets and fielding a competitive team.
Speaking of competitive, that was probably the point of contention that the Celtics deemed the "price was too high." Unlike rebuilding teams or teams looking for a salary dump, the Cleveland Cavaliers are likely to demand pieces that could help them now, not just a pile of draft picks that would leave them weaker prior to the deal.
The issues that the Cavs want to address are a wing defender and a possible answer to Draymond Green. According to CBS, Jae Crowder would fit that bill and the Celtics could add Avery Bradley as the "3 and D" guy. The Celtics would have to add other players to match salaries, such as Tyler Zeller or RJ Hunter.
Two possible take-aways from these rumors - the Cavs would be willing to trade Love if they could get a package that would help their title run in return as the Cavs are not looking for luxury tax relief but a title; and also, the "usual" offer that the Celtics make for franchise players according to rumors (David Lee, expiring contracts and draft picks) is not going to cut it. If they really want Love, they have to send real players.