DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Love (Photo : Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics could still be looking for another star who can help solidify their stance as strong title contenders. Two possible options the Celtics may consider are DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Love.
The Celtics were able to retool their roster after signing Al Horford this summer, but it is no secret that Boston wants to add another proven star to help complete a roster that could challenge powerhouse teams in the league.
There have been plenty of names linked to the Celtics this offseason, but with stars like Blake Griffin and Russell Westbrook now unlikely to get traded, Boston's options may come down between Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love.
Cousins' rocky relationship with the Kings has made him a hot topic in trade talks, and the Celtics are one of the rumored teams aiming to deal for Boogie. While many believe the Kings would keep hold of Cousins this season and see whether Dave Joerger would help please the 26-year-old center, there is still a possibility the Celtics could pry Cousins out of Sacramento for the right price.
Cousins is no doubt one of the most dominant center in the league, averaging 26.9 points and 11.5 rebounds per game for the King last season. Cousins would give the Celtics another All-Star big man to pair with Horford, creating a scary two-way frontcourt for Boston.
Another name linked to the Celtics is Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, who many believe could be the odd man out in Cleveland despite helping the team win its first NBA championship.
Love has struggled to fit with the Cavs ever since joining the team in the summer of 2014. His role regressed playing alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, turning him from a nightly double-double machine into a third scoring option.
But despite Love's inefficiency in the past few seasons, the Celtics have "remained intrigued by a potential trade for a big man," and Love seems to fit the mold, according to Fansided's Mitchell Gastin.
"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.
Love's ability to spread the floor would allow Horford to focus inside the paint offensively. Love, who averaged 16.0 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Cavs last season, may not reclaim his old form playing with the Celtics, but should fit well under Brad Stevens' schemes.
Anyone between Cousins and Love should help the Celtics become legit title contenders. Both are game-changers and could help the Cs in many ways. Cousins' dominance on both ends of the floor would be a tremendous boost for the Celtics, as well as Love's offensive repertoire.
But any potential deal for either of them would require the Celtics to give up too many assets, something Danny Ainge has been trying to avoid.
"As long as it's a sustainable formula and not a one-year quick hit, sacrificing future assets," Ainge told CBS Local about whether he is open to explore the trade market for another star. "If it's something that gets us to being a true championship contender faster, we're all for it."
Nevertheless, if there is a chance the Celtics get their hands on Cousins or Love, either of them would be fine in helping Beantown achieve an 18th banner.
