The Boston Celtics are still rumored to be interested in trading for Kevin Love, but the team may have missed their chance to acquire the All-Star forward from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It is no secret that the Celtics are still looking to bolster their roster despite already having Al Horford. The team has been linked to names like Russell Westbrook and Blake Griffin, but with the two stars becoming unlikely to get dealt this offseason, the Celtics could look for an alternative.
According to Sports Illustrated's Fansided writer Mitchell Gastin, the Celtics are still interested in trading for Kevin Love, who has been heavily linked with the 17-time NBA champs in the past few months
Gastin claimed that the Celtics have "remained intrigued by a potential trade for a big man," and Love seems to fit the description Boston has been looking for. However, it may be too late for the Celtics to flip their tradable assets into an All-Star power forward who can add depth to Boston's disciplined and talented roster.
"The Celtics are interested in Love for his perimeter shooting and ability to stretch the floor, two facets that are lacking in Boston's current roster. However, the Celtics have also been reluctant, waiting for a steep decline in Love's market value to get him at the right price - but have they missed their chance?" Gastin wrote.
The Celtics may have probably missed out on luring Love to Beantown. After the team secured contracts of Amir Johnson and Tyler Zeller, adding Love would create a crowded frontcourt for the Celtics. And while Love isn't officially confirmed available via trade, Gastin believes the Celtics' business in pursuing the likes of Westbrook, Griffin and Jahlil Okafor may have distracted them on acquiring Love.
"These offseason opportunities for the Celtics have distracted them in their pursuit for Love, and while a trade with Cleveland would make sense, it could be time for Boston to move on and capitalize on a trade involving other superstars," Gastin added.
Dave Leonardis of Today's Fastbreak also has an interesting take why the Cavs have to keep Love. Leonardis argued that in light of the landscape-altering free agency signings, there is a glaring need for the Cavs to stay intact.
"With so many threats to Cleveland's throne, the defending champions will need more than James and Irving's heroics to fend everyone off. They need another elite scoring option to step up and take pressure off the dynamic duo," Leonardis wrote.
At this point, Love could be a keeper for the Cavs. Likewise, the Celtics may not need a blockbuster trade before the regular season opens. But a deal could still be on the table, especially if the Cavs and Celtics deem they need to make changes mid-season.