Kevin Love was one of the most talked about stars in the NBA just a few short years ago, but since LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Los Angeles Lakers, not much has been said about him. This offseason, there is a chance the Cavaliers could trade him. Watch out for the New York Knicks as a potential suitor.
After a few years of missing out on free agency targets, the Knicks could shift their attention to the trade market to bring in a star. Love may not be talked about as much as he once was, but he is still a big-time player.
During the 2019-20 NBA season with the Cavaliers, Love ended up averaging 17.6 points per game to go along with 9.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He shot 45 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 37.4 percent from the three-point line.
Bleacher Report has suggested that the Cavaliers and Knicks could come together on a trade that would send Love to New York. In return, the Cavaliers would receive Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton.
Why would the Cavaliers make this move? Well, quite simply, Love isn’t fitting into the equation anymore and Randle would help them get younger at the power forward position.
Randle put together a solid season with the Knicks, averaging 19.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Payton is a solid role player, although he could be flipped in another deal. He averaged 10 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.
Both of these teams have pieces that don’t fit anymore. Randle doesn’t seem terribly happy with the Knicks and Love wouldn’t mind leaving the Cavaliers for a change of pace.
If the Knicks are able to acquire Kevin Love for this kind of trade package, they could be a much better team in 2020-21. With development from R.J. Barrett and Kevin Knox, or another trade to acquire a second star, New York would be heading in the right direction.
Don’t be surprised to see the Cavaliers place Love on the trade block this offseason. Assuming that does happen, the Knicks will very likely be one of the teams calling with interest in acquiring him.
