NBA Trade Rumors (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls had interest in trading for Kevin Love even before he was dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers. And honestly, it won't be the last time they'll pursue the All-Star power forward.
This trade scenario will discuss the pros and cons of a potential blockbuster deal involving Bulls' Nikola Mirotic and Taj Gibson and Cavaliers' Kevin Love.
Details of the Deal:
The Bulls, looking to maximize the trade value of Mirotic and Gibson before they hit the free-agency market, could look into a potential blockbuster trade with the Cavaliers, who are searching for ways to lower their luxury tax without compromising their title chance this season.
In the proposed deal, the Bulls will be sending Gibson (unrestricted), Mirotic (restricted) and Snell (restricted) to the Cavaliers in exchange for Love, who will just be entering the second of his current five-year deal.
Trade Breakdown:
For the Cavaliers
Pros: Gibson, Mirotic and Snell will instantly re-supply the Cavaliers much needed firepower after losing Timofey Mozgov, Matthew Dellavedova and possibly J.R Smith to free=agency.
Gibson provides great interior defense and rebounding, Mirotic stretches the floor with his outside shooting, and Snell offers perimeter presence on both ends of the floor.
The best thing about the deal for the Cavs is they finally get rid of their long-term commitment with Love and replace them with players who can match his production.
Cons: Love is still a better overall player than any of the three Bulls player, and losing him means the Cavs have to undergo through the same painful process of chemistry building again.
For the Bulls:
Pros: Despite not putting up his usual double-double numbers over the last two years, Love was a key component to the Cavs' first title run. With LeBron James and Kyrie Irving dominating the ball, the All-Star forward adjusted well in his second year, embracing the role as a floor-stretcher.
If he ever joins the Bulls, Love will have all the luxury the world to pile up monster numbers again since he's going to be the sole offensive option in that frontline.
Cons: Sending Mirotic, Gibson and Snell for a struggling All-Star is a big gamble. Mirotic, despite an uninspiring performance in his second year, is still a pretty good young player while Snell only needs more playing time to breakout. Of course, Gibson's tenacity is going to be missed not only by the team but hardcore Bulls fans as well.
The Skinny:
The Bulls and the Cavs had already pulled off a trade earlier this offseason, though it was a minor one (Mike Dunleavy to Cavs for draft picks). It won't be shocking to see both teams talking again for a big one. ESPN NBA trade machine approves this deal and it's actually a win-win deal for both parties.
However, this isn't the only trade scenario NBA insiders are closely watching, because when Dec. 15 comes around, a guy named Dwyane Wade is eligible to be traded to any team, and yes including the Cavaliers.
Prediction:
This trade has to happen for a number of reasons. Then again, there are also several factors making this deal not to happen. So a 50 percent possibility seems to be the appropriate guess. As a matter of fact, a Wade to Cavs deal has more legs to stand, more so if LeBron James lobbies for it to happen.
