The latest batch of free agency signings has seen some improvement in the Eastern Conference-which means new rivals for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Even the best should not rest, especially when the Boston Celtics, a team without a star, got Al Horford, 3rd overall pick Jaylen Brown and potentially Kevin Durant. Not to mention the Indiana Pacers quietly filling their holes with Jeff Teague at point guard and Al Jefferson at center.
The Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons have both locked up their big name free agents (DeMar DeRozan and Andre Drummond) and expect to be stronger next season. All around the East, everyone wants a shot at the newly crowned champs.
The Cavs are not a perfect team, and they should not forget that they were only four points removed from watching the Golden State Warriors celebration in Oakland. Thus, they should still examine the one big move that could make them a dynasty-trading Kevin Love.
As Tom Ziller wrote in SB Nation, "the Cavaliers should probably trade Kevin Love this summer, even if they win the championship." This is because "paying through the nose for a power forward who can't regularly play center or small forward -- that'd be Love -- doesn't make much sense."
Even the fans of the Cavaliers have shaken off the euphoria of the city's first title in half a century, and suggested that the team take measures to make the mother of all trades-one that would ensure the Cavaliers as a dynasty. Team site King James Gospel of the Sports Illustrated network gave this trade proposal.
"A package of Kevin Love, Iman Shumpert, a 2017 first round draft pick, a 2019 first round draft pick, and 2020(sic) first round draft pick for DeMarcus Cousins, Kosta Koufos, and 2017 free agent Ben McLemore should get the Sacramento Kings attention," KJG's Qeunton Albertie suggested.
This trade would mortgage the Cavs future but they would be a dynasty as long as LeBron wishes. Cousins is quick enough to not be a liability against small-ball lineups and is a mightier force in the post than Love is. This will bring Tristan Thompson back to his natural power forward spot which LeBron James can also occupy if needed. Koufos is also a capable back-up.
Would the Kings listen to this offer? They have a logjam at the center spot and Kevin Love is as good a star as they can get for Boogie. Shumpert also fulfills a position of need (though the Kings recently collared Arron Afflalo).
The three first rounders are likely to be late in the first round, but Love is still a worthy prize. The roster is already flawed (five centers, even more than the Sixers) and Love is a necessary fix. He could thrive being the alpha dog again with athletic defensive centers behind him (Cauley-Stein, possibly Labissiere).
If this deal comes through, it will increase the gap between the Cavs and the rest of the East. It actually makes the Cavs the favorite, even over the Golden State Warriors (unless they get Kevin Durant).