Kevin Love (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Miami Heat could now be eyeing a trade for Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love using Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow as trade pieces.
Chris Bosh's absence left the Heat with a big hole to fill at the power forward position. Bosh's ability to score inside and outside the paint, and how the 10-time All-Star can stretch the floor would be hard to replace, but the Heat may have the perfect target they could pursue.
According to reports from the Inquisitr, the Heat could be targeting Kevin Love in a deal that would send Goran Dragic, Justise Winslow and Josh McRoberts to the Cavs. But while this deal works under the salary cap rules, it is still unclear whether the Cavs be willing to let go of Love for a handful of key players.
The Cavs still have one of the most formidable starting lineup in the league after the team gets to secure LeBron James for three more years in Cleveland. JR Smith is also expected to return with the Cavs, which would complete Cleveland's championship lineup. But even with their core still intact, the Cavs still need depth at every position if they want to repeat as champs.
Love has often been an awkward fit with the Cavs. His one-way game has limited his role into an outside shooter for Cleveland, and while he has helped the team at times, trading him remains a possibility if it would garner the Cavs valuable assets in return.
Dragic would help improve the Cavs' backcourt and provide a solid backup behind Kyrie Irving. Dragic, who averaged 14.1 points and 5.8 assists per game last season, could also play as a combo-guard, giving the Cavs a dangerous weapon on the open court.
A young talent in Winslow should also give the Cavs another solid backcourt piece. Winslow only averaged 6.4 points a game in his rookie season, but playing alongside James should help develop him into an elite player.
On the other hand, the Heat would receive an All-Star caliber player who can post numbers identical to what Bosh had. Love, who posted 16 points and nine rebounds a game in his two season with the Cavs, provides the Heat a versatile scorer who can do some damage inside and outside the paint. His defense won't also be an issue for the Heat with Hassan Whiteside anchoring the interior defense.
It remains to be seen whether the Heat have genuine interests in acquiring Love. Likewise, the Cavs seem they intend to keep hold of Love despite his struggles fitting with the team's system. But it is a deal that would make sense for the Heat after losing Bosh and something they should consider if the Cavs make Love available.
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