Larry Drew Gives His Thoughts on Kevin Love Trade Rumors: ‘Anybody Can Be Traded’

As Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love continues to rehabilitate his surgically repaired toe, Cavs head coach Larry Drew hasn’t rule out the prospect of the team dealing the veteran away at some point.

Drew spoke to the media during the team’s Thursday practice and was asked to comment on a Tuesday report that the Denver Nuggets could be a trading partner for Love’s services:

“Would I be surprised? As far as trades are concerned, I understand the nature of this business. Anybody can be traded. I’ve been in this league long enough where I’ve seen that happen. I think any deal that makes sense for any team, sure, they’ll be willing to pull the trigger. But that’s just the nature of our business.

“Around this time is always an exciting time because you start hearing names floating around, all the possibilities and the probables and the what-ifs and 99 percent of the time none of it happens. Trade deadline time is always, as a player you get a little antsy. When I played, I got a little antsy because there was always the possibility. That’s just how the business is, that deadline, people get excited, things start floating around and that’s just how it is.”

That report, from Marc Stein of the New York Times, offered this intriguing item concerning Love:

“Denver has maintained a longstanding fondness for Love, which makes you wonder if the Nuggets will be tempted to make a win-now play for the All-Star forward amid their wholly unexpected rise to the top of the West.

“Can I guarantee a Love trade before the deadline? No. Can I promise you that we’ll wind up talking about Love as a trade candidate in a few weeks? I think I can.”

In truth, the Cavaliers aren’t actively seeking a trade of Love, who signed a four-year extension with the Cavs last summer worth $120 million.

That deal begins next season, but with the Cavs in rebuilding mode and likely to be strong candidates to be in position for a lottery pick, Love could be an inviting trade option for a contending team.

Love was rumored to possibly be in line to return during the Cavaliers’ upcoming Western road trip. However, such rumors have yet to be confirmed and any possible suitors would likely want to see Love back in action before pulling the trigger on a trade.