Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love (Photo : Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are linked in a rumored blockbuster deal involving the Miami Heat and New York Knicks, which would also see the mentioned teams swapping their respective stars.
The latest NBA rumors have suggested a three-way mega deal featuring the Cavs, Heat and Knicks. In the rumored trade scenario, the Cavs would send Kevin Love to Miami, while getting Knicks star Carmelo Anthony in return. New York would then acquire Goran Dragic and Josh Richardson from the Heat to complete the potential deal.
There are no indications about the mentioned teams pondering about such moves, but speculations over the Cavs acquiring Anthony has gained steam due to the forward's connection with LeBron James, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
"The hypothetical Anthony swap gathers more steam because of James' relationship with him. The two became friends in high school, bonding over what they had in common. They were in the same draft class, played for Team USA together and have formed a bond that goes even deeper than basketball, as the two trade texts and calls regularly," Fedor wrote.
It would be intriguing to see the Cavs acquire Anthony, who is a close friend of LeBron James, but considering the team's talent, there is no need for Cleveland to make drastic changes in their lineup, especially involving Love.
Opposite to what many have been insisting, Love seems to have found his niche in Cleveland. The All-Star forward is playing his best game as part of the Cavaliers, averaging 22.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game for Cleveland this season. If the defending champs continue their impressive run this season, it is unlikely they move Love.
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But, on the other hand, Anthony would also be a good fit for the Cavs as what Love would be for the Heat. Anthony, who averaged 22.7 points per game for the Knicks this season, would give Cleveland another scoring threat at the wing position and his relationship with James would see him seamlessly gel in with the rest of the Cavs players.
Meanwhile, Love could fill the void left by Chris Bosh for the Heat. Love's ability to score inside and outside the paint and crash the offensive boards would make a perfect complement on Hassan Whiteside's defensive game.
As for the Knicks, there are no indications about the team considering a bold move, but the reported turmoil currently happening within the organization may lead to potential roster changes. Moreover, Anthony has a no-trade clause in his contract with the Knicks, which means he has the last say if ever New York decides to trade him.
But should the Knicks explore the proposed deal, a return of Dragic and Johnson does not look an ideal acquisition for the team. Adding both players would only crowd the Knicks' already loaded backcourt, and won't give New York an equal trade value for losing Anthony.
The need to trade for a solid backup point guard would probably the Cavs' only realistic move before the deadline, but any major shortcomings by midseason should force the defending champs to explore the market otherwise. The Heat and Knicks could also become players before the trade deadline, but are not expected to engage in blockbuster deals.
