According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love could be traded for the right price before the NBA trade deadline this year.
Earlier last July, Love signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the Cavs, and the front office was committed to building around him as the cornerstone of the franchise and keeping the team competitive in the Eastern Conference.
However, Love has been injured for almost all of the regular season thus far, and it is still unclear as to when exactly he will return to the court. The Cavs’ current situation doesn’t help their case either, as the team sits dead last in the East with a record of 8-29.
Due to the rules of his contract extension, Love becomes trade-eligible starting Jan. 24, which leaves 15 days — until the trade deadline on Feb. 7 — for Love to be potentially traded. Many front offices across the league continue to view Love as a difference-maker who could be a tremendous asset.
One potential suitor that has surfaced in trade discussions is the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets have displayed a liking for Love for quite some time now. Back in 2017, the Nuggets were in discussions with the Cavs and Indiana Pacers to orchestrate a three-way deal that would have sent Love to Denver and brought Paul George to Cleveland.
The Nuggets current sit atop the Western Conference, with a record of 24-11. Brimming with youth and veteran talent, they have become a force to be reckoned with.
It will be interesting to see if this rumor materializes, and what the Cavs will do at that point.
