NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers to Move Kevin Love Before Deadline?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have made bold moves over the past years, generating speculation that they could also part ways with Kevin Love before the trade deadline in February.
Love, who is playing in his second season in Cleveland, is continuously being mentioned in numerous trade rumors. When asked about the possibility of making deals involving their top players, Cavaliers general manager David Griffin said that any player could be moved if it will improve the team.
"We have been very clear from the beginning that there's no such thing as untouchables," Griffin told ESPN. "You're either all the way in or all the way out in this process, and we believe our guys are all the way in."
However, Griffin insisted that they are convinced they are a better team with Love as their starting power forward. While Love is being mentioned as one of the biggest names that could be dealt before the deadline, the Cavs GM reiterated that they have not made calls to gauge Love's trade value.
"You'd have to go a long way to convince me that we're a better team winning in the Finals without a player like Kevin on our team," Griffin added. "We've never once put together an offer involving Kevin, nor have we taken a call on an offer for Kevin."
Love, who inked a fresh five-year contract worth $112 million last summer, had a strong start this season but has struggled to get into his rhythm after superstar point guard Kyrie Irving returned from a knee injury. In 13 games this month, the former UCLA standout averaged just 12.8 points on 38.4 percent shooting on top of 10.9 rebounds.
The Cavaliers recently fired coach David Blatt despite starting the season with an Eastern Conference-best 30-11 record. Newly-appointed head coach Tyronn Lue is optimistic that Love will find his touches moving forward, as the rookie coach is planning to change their rotation pattern.
"What I would like to do is get Kevin out early and let LeBron and Ky play, then bring Kevin back with the second unit, and we can kind of run our elbow actions and slow the game down for Kevin," Lue said. "At times, playing fast, I guess he can get lost in the offense, so I got to do a better job of that."
In Cleveland's first two games under Lue, the former All-Star averaged just 12.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 34.5 minutes. Should the Cavaliers part ways with Love? Tell us your thoughts below.
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