Kevin Love (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Harrison Barnes (Photo : Twitter)
The NBA trade rumors continue as the Boston Celtics may be taking their first step for the major moves this offseason.
Kevin Love was once the most coveted player on the trading block and several teams would still make a play for him. The Celtics still presents a great fit and could be the key to make him relevant again. Another known Celtics target is Harrison Barnes, whom the Celtics desire as a scoring wing option.
Both players have not been performing well in the Finals, specifically in Game 5. According to a report, Danny Ainge has already met with Jeff Schwartz, agent to both Love and Barnes.
Ainge met with Jeff Schwartz in NYC this week, according to a source. Schwartz represents Kevin Love and Harrison Barnes.
— Andrew Perna (@Andrew_Perna) June 16, 2016
The trade rumors about Kevin Love persisted throughout the roller-coaster season. It reached the boiling point at the same time David Blatt was fired as the head coach. Getting a new coach gave him a new lease but the Finals series unraveled the observation that he was not a good fit-or that the Cavs could improve without him.
However, even Boston fans are not sold on him Love as their next star. NESN was in favor of Barnes but not the former league-leader in double-doubles.
"The Celtics should aim higher than Love, whose recent injuries and lackluster performances are genuine concerns. Barnes is young and still has room for improvement in his game, but his inconsistency is frustrating. He's probably not worth giving up quality assets to acquire," they note.
While those are valid points, Love may be the only target that Boston could secure this offseason. They might have to engage in a bidding war for Jimmy Butler and former Celtics coach Doc Rivers may hold on to Blake Griffin. The Kings are also not taking calls on DeMarcus Cousins based on their latest statements.
They may also strike out on Barnes, as Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported that the Golden State Warriors owner is "sold" on matching any max offers for Barnes. Despite his lackluster Game 5 performance, Barnes has still proven himself as vital cog in their past games.
The Warriors can match any offer for Barnes if they choose to. The only way that they will let Barnes go is if the player himself asks to be released in order to play a bigger role with another team.
In that case, a sign-and-trade arrangement could be arranged. There is a possibility that it was discussed in the meeting between Ainge and Schwartz.
