The Cleveland Cavalier could explore trading for Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel, with Kevin Love as the defending champ's trade bait.
Despite successfully retaining their starting core after securing LeBron James to a three-year $100 million contract, the Cavs may still consider bolstering their roster, especially at the center position.
The Cavs lost Timofey Mozgov to free agency and traded Sasha Kaun to the 76ers, leaving Cleveland without a legitimate center to man the five spot. And while much of the team's success mostly rely in an effectively lethal small-ball lineup, a refurbished Golden State Warriors and other improved teams in the East should be enough reason for Cleveland to improve their frontcourt.
According to Bret Stuter of The Sixer Sense, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, Nerlens Noel could be a legitimate option for the Cavs in exchange for Kevin Love.
"The Cavaliers no doubt wanted to settle LeBron James' contract before actively pursuing trades. Now the time is right to address the center position. The Cavaliers clearly will not be offering Irving, but potentially trading Love fits their lukewarm affections toward him," Stuter wrote.
"The Cavaliers need Noel if they intend on repeating as NBA champions. To get him, the team could offer a package of Love and a second player like Iman Shumpert for Noel and Carl Landry,"
It is no secret that Love has been struggling to fit with the Cavs, with his skillsets being limited to a spot-up shooter. Love, who averaged 16.0 points and 9.9 rebounds last season, would provide the 76ers a stretch-four who could be a perfect piece to surround Aussie phenom Ben Simmons.
Trading for Love would likely still create a frontcourt logjam for the 76ers, with Dario Saric and Simmons set to play huge minutes at the power forward spot. But adding Love gives Philadelphia an All-Star caliber player and championship experience to a young developing core.
Noel, on the other hand, would provide the Cavs a solid rim protector and an athletic center who could fit well playing a fast-paced offense. Noel, who averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season, could also come in as another tenacious rebounder, creating a dynamic frontcourt duo with Tristan Thompson.
The proposed trade scenario works on ESPN's trade machine, but it is still uncertain whether the Cavs or the 76ers would approve such move. Nevertheless, it is a deal that could address both teams' needs.