It’s the NBA offseason, which can only mean one thing — it’s time for the annual Kevin Love trade speculation.
Actually, it’s not even speculation. More like one NBA writer having some fun with a proposed deal centered on (you guessed it) the Cleveland Cavaliers veteran power forward.
That said, it may not be such a horrible idea. Or maybe it is. You decide. (And if you’re feeling frisky, add your comments below this post. I’ll even hop in.)
Anyway, the suggestion comes from Chase Hughes of NBC Sports, who suggests the Cavs should trade Love to the Golden State Warriors for guard/forward Andrew Wiggins.
Sound familiar?
It should. The Cavs selected Wiggins with the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2014, marched forward with him in summer league and angrily denied any talk they might ship him to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Love. (For the record, angry denial from the Cavs has been somewhat of a trend during my 10 years of covering the NBA.)
But after repeatedly making allegations of fake news, guess what happened?
Yeah. The Cavs traded Wiggins (and Anthony Bennett) to the Timberwolves for Love.
Wiggins was finally moved from the Wolves, to the Warriors, for guard D’Angelo Russell at the February trade deadline, and there’s no telling how Wiggins might fight next to Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
But Love … well, he could be the perfect match. And Wiggins would give the Cavs another younger guy who can score (21.8 points per game last season) and really defend on the perimeter when motivated (seemingly only occasionally).
According to Hughes, it might just be a win-win yet again.
“Love would give the Warriors another major piece without them having to part with the No. 2 overall pick,” Hughes wrote. “He’s a stretch-four ideal for their small-ball brand, and he is also still a very good rebounder when the Warriors need help in that department.
“Imagine the spacing with lineups featuring Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Love. Draymond Green could fill in the gaps defensively and with his passing.”
OK, but what about Wiggins back with the Cavs?
“The Cavs are light at the wing position and could use another athlete to run the fastbreak with their two recently drafted guards — Darius Garland and Collin Sexton,” Hughes wrote. “While Cleveland wouldn’t get the first-round pick they might covet in a Love deal, they would get younger with Wiggins, who is still only 25 and not yet in his prime.”
It’s rare for people to propose a trade idea that I don’t hate, but I respect Hughes’ work, and frankly, this is something that can get you thinking.
Terrible? Awesome? One-sided? All of that is up for you to decide.
On a skill set for skill set I love the trade. The question is Wiggins attitude. Will he blossom as the first option? TT is a Canadian, does he and AW have a relationship? Can they also swap 1st round picks
All great questions Mitch. I do believe TT and Wiggins share a bond. Swapping firsts would make it a no-brainer in my mind! The Warriors wouldn’t need No. 2 if they added Love! Appreciate you taking the time to comment. - Sam
I think it makes sense for both teams. I love it, the Cavs get younger with a very tallented Wiggins, and Love would work well in GS, a win win
I agree with you. People forget how well Wiggins can score. He averaged more points than Love, is younger than Love, and a better defender. Meanwhile the Warriors get a win-now fit. Thanks Deron!
Garland, Porter Jr., Wiggins, Nance Jr., Drummond (or TT) would be an intriguing starting lineup. I’m with you- I usually cringe at most trades. This one was a small twitch but not bad. Warriors get a Championship caliber proven vet and Cavs get a young scorer with potential. Not bad at all. I hope they WOULD go with that starting lineup rather than continue to force Sexton in, (but I suppose that’s another story…).
Haha, that is another story indeed Jesse. I do like the lineup you proposed!
Count me in. It gives them an athletic wing, which they desperately need. Also would make more sense with all the recent mock drafts which have the Cavs taking Toppin at 5.
Appreciate the thoughts Nick. Would definitely be interesting team with the addition of Toppin.
I think the W’s are far more interested in TT than Love. With the cap issues the W’s have, it is going to require some fancy sign-n-trade action with several other parts.
You make a good point Fred. Appreciate the comments! - Sam
Ha - I was going to write you to suggest this trade. It helps both teams, and moving Love clears the logjam and makes the Cavs better defensively by making it clear they can keep Drummond and Thompson on the team, with plenty of minutes on the floor. The big downside is the question about Wiggins’ motor — he’s been highly motivated every time I’ve seen him play the Cavs, but low energy every time I’ve seen him play against anyone else.