With most of the top names in NBA free agency gone, focus now shifts to ballclubs who are open to trading their stars. There are several teams who would be open to dealing some superstars although the list may not include the Cleveland Cavaliers - at least for now.
The Cavs are technically in rebuilding mode, meaning NBA vets on the squad are most likely to be dealt off at some point. Looking at their roster, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson are prime candidates who could be up for trade but only if the price is right. Love became the franchise's new face following the departure of LeBron James, but the 30-year-old found humps along the way in the form of injuries. Last season alone, the fifth overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft played in only 22 games due to a toe injury, Yahoo Sports said.
Love owns a $120 million contract spread over four years which he signed last season. Despite the hefty numbers, several teams are willing to take a chance on the 6-foot-10 center-forward - aware that he would still be good for double-double performances when healthy. His numbers hardly showed that last season owing to his injuries, but one can only imagine what Love can do when he is at 100-percent healthy.
It appears the Cavs feel the same way and would want to see first if things can still work out with Love for the 2019-20 NBA season. According to Cleveland.com, the Cavs are making life harder for teams interested in the former NBA champion. With the Golden State Warriors now split up, the Cavs allegedly believe they may have a better chance starting with the coming NBA season.
For the Cavs, Love cannot obviously do it alone. While he could recall the old form that allowed him to perform well when he was still with the Minnesota Timberwolves, it still remains that K-Love needs proper support. That could come from Thompson or some of the rising young guys like Colin Sexton. Looking at teams such as the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers, general manager Koby Altman may have his work cut out for him.
Any trade involving Love may need to take a back seat for now. If teams insist, they face a hefty price to get the five-time NBA All-Star. Depending on how love performs this 2019-20 NBA season, a trade may only come into play depending on their win-loss record. If a trade happens, this may only crop up by the NBA trade deadline in February 2020.
