Kevin Love Trade Idea

[SHAQATTACK]

You 'll have to call LeBron if you want KL or for any deal for that matter .  Only Gilbert can question the defacto GM in a players uniform

He calls the shots ....WHO is on the team and who isn't .....rather who sucks up to his Divaship stays or who helps him get what he wants .

I really don't believe Love makes or breaks the team as constructed . He is more star ornament .

I believe ...He should be part of a Love plus Irving trade to bring in a REAL general in CP3 .

A Cavs trade for CP 3 for Irving could move the needle on a title quest....short term ......I could see LeBron wanting to,do this and CP3 too .  Their  window is closing ......maybe 3 years .

Cavs have already blew it with Wiggins ,  using Love / Irving might might convince Doc to give em what they need to finish the job.

Would take some HUGE nads for LeBron to push this trade .   But without Westbrook or CP3 he is stuck behind SA and Curry s teams this year and probably next as well.   While he watchs any title hope his Klutch Sports fly down the tube.

More over .......CP3 and LeBron are best buds .......LeBron would willingly take on the role CP3 wants

[Real World]

I think if you are the Celtics, and you have an opportunity to trade for someone like Kevin Love, you simply have to try to do it.  That doesn't mean you make a bad trade, or overpay.  If the price is right though, you try to make a deal happen.  The Celtics have a lot of good complimentary, and good role players.  They have no real stars.  I like some of the players a lot, but you aren't going very far when Crowder, Bradley, Sully, etc. make up the top echelon on your roster.  In the NBA you need allstars at the top.  While Love's star has certainly fallen, and his level of eliteness is certainly in question, he's still better than anything the Celtics have in the front court.  In the NBA you trade quarters for a 50 cent piece all day long.  Quarters you can find.  Allstar players are a different story.  I'd try hard to avoid moving Crowder, cuz I love what he brings, and his contract is proving to be pretty reasonable moving forward.

My take on a Love deal is this:

Olynyk + Bradley + Lee + Turner

for

Love + Kaun

I believe Cleveland would have to use some of its trade exception money to make this work. I think this is doable for Cleveland.  Bradley gives them a solid back court option on both ends of the floor, at reasonable dollars.  Olynyk gives them similar attributes that Love gives (stretch 4) on rookie money, while Lee and Turner provide veteran minutes on expiring deals.  I think each player would strengthen the Cavs second unit, which come playoff time is critical for a contender if they want to win a title.

The Celtics have to get rid of some bodies.  They have to cull the herd if you will.  They have something like a dozen top 35 or so picks in the next few years, as well as a roster full of young players with talent, who need minutes to develop.  It might stink to give up some young guys we like, but that's what you have to do in the NBA in order to acquire an allstar.  None of the players in this proposal will ever be better than Kevin Love, and that's the key thing to consider. 

One of the problems with a proposal like this is what it means for Cleveland this year, in terms of the luxury tax.  It adds money to them this year, but it saves money for them moving forward.  Is that something they would consider?  If not, then the teams would have to figure out a way to lessen this years tax blow.  Maybe offer up a draft pick(s) for anyone willing to take on Varajeo's deal. 

[SHAQATTACK]

I think if you are the Celtics, and you have an opportunity to trade for someone like Kevin Love, you simply have to try to do it.  That doesn't mean you make a bad trade, or overpay.  If the price is right though, you try to make a deal happen.  The Celtics have a lot of good complimentary, and good role players.  They have no real stars.  I like some of the players a lot, but you aren't going very far when Crowder, Bradley, Sully, etc. make up the top echelon on your roster.  In the NBA you need allstars at the top.  While Love's star has certainly fallen, and his level of eliteness is certainly in question, he's still better than anything the Celtics have in the front court.  In the NBA you trade quarters for a 50 cent piece all day long.  Quarters you can find.  Allstar players are a different story.  I'd try hard to avoid moving Crowder, cuz I love what he brings, and his contract is proving to be pretty reasonable moving forward.

My take on a Love deal is this:

Olynyk + Bradley + Lee + Turner

for

Love + Kaun

I believe Cleveland would have to use some of its trade exception money to make this work. I think this is doable for Cleveland.  Bradley gives them a solid back court option on both ends of the floor, at reasonable dollars.  Olynyk gives them similar attributes that Love gives (stretch 4) on rookie money, while Lee and Turner provide veteran minutes on expiring deals.  I think each player would strengthen the Cavs second unit, which come playoff time is critical for a contender if they want to win a title.

The Celtics have to get rid of some bodies.  They have to cull the herd if you will.  They have something like a dozen top 35 or so picks in the next few years, as well as a roster full of young players with talent, who need minutes to develop.  It might stink to give up some young guys we like, but that's what you have to do in the NBA in order to acquire an allstar.  None of the players in this proposal will ever be better than Kevin Love, and that's the key thing to consider.

Not saying this doesn't make sense fairness wise .   It helps Cavs some ...... But not enough to beat Pop or Curry . 

LeBron is not dumb .   He know what he needs .

He needs to score big .....really big ....if he uses Love as trade bait .   He goes full bore and brings in the point guard he needs to succeed .

LeBron needs a NUKE .   He needs a real point guard .  diva doo doo is garbage ,  Irving is a two , a magnificent scorer ....but really needs the ball a lot. 

LeBron needs a TRuE point guard who can seriously run the team.

[oldtype]

1. The Cavs hang up if we don't include Crowder

2. I don't know if I'd do Crowder for Love straight up.

[ThePoeticWolf]

I feel like getting Phoenix involved is the best idea.

To Boston: Love

To Cleveland: Chandler, Morris, 2016 Dallas 1st, extra 2nd round picks

To Phoenix: Lee, Sullinger, Rozier, 2016 Boston 1st, 2016 Philly 2nd, extra 2nd round picks

Boston gets Love and keeps its defense intact to help hide his deficiencies.

Cleveland sheds Love, gets way tougher with Morris and Chandler. Morris replaces Love's spot up shooting with less need to have the ball in his hands. Chandler can back up Mozgov and replace Varejao.

Phoenix is back to rebuilding, they need to shed the Chandler contract. They get a fat expiring, young players, and picks. Which considering how much of a head case Morris is, this seems like overpay.

I think this is an interesting trade idea, I agree with the teams involved but think players would have to be switched.  I think we'd have to take Chandler and give Amir Johnson to Cleveland.  I say this because Cleveland would want the option to get rid of Johnson to save money next year.  So by the Celtics taking Chandler it makes the deal more appealing to Cleveland.  I'm not wanting to take Chandler on but I think this would be the only way to really get Cleveland interested. 

[mahcussmaht]

When Kevin Love played on the Wolves, he was a true star.  Yes, their team didn't win a lot of games, but he proved capable of being the top option offensively.  He's completely capable of averaging 26 and 12 as the main guy.  He wasn't an inefficient scorer.  Shooting splits of .450 FG, .360 3P, and .810 FT.   His versatility as an offensive weapon is also highly underrated at this point.  You'd have to work to mask his defensive limitations, but on offense he'd be perfect as the number one option. 

You have to take what is happening in Cleveland with a grain of salt.  There's only one basketball and Love has had to take a back seat to LeBron and Kyrie.  Rightfully so, because those two are incredible offensive players.   Love's offensive regression was expected.  Chris Bosh dipped from 24 points to 16 points and back to 21 points.  Likewise, Kevin Love has averaged 16 points since standing in the shadow of LeBron and Kyrie.   That he's struggling on this level is a bit of a surprise, but a lot of that has to do with the system, how he was utilized and and how the players fit together.  Obviously, the Cavs are making Blatt the scapegoat.  I still think it will be a challenge to have three go-to options mesh together.     

I love how Crowder has played this year.  He's proving to be a great two-way starter and a competent leader, but are we sure he has a future as a star in this league?  I understand why people don't want to give him up, but I don't think you avoid bringing in a true star like Kevin Love, because Jae Crowder has put up decent numbers for a couple months. 

I would prefer a package around Avery Bradley.  Marcus Smart is gaining steam and we have a couple young guards who might be able to put up some some quality minutes off the bench.   I don't know that Jae and Sullinger are really even the type of pieces the Cavs need.  What they could use is perimeter shooting and a quality defensive guard who can cause problems for players like Steph Curry.  Kyrie isn't a great defender.   Bradley would be perfect for the Cavs.  We'd have to include more than Bradley, but I think an offer for Love should start at probably Bradley and Love.  Maybe Bradley and Amir if the Cavs think they have a fit for Amir.   I don't know that they need him, though.  Thompson and Mozgov can be their bigs.  LeBron is obviously their SF.  Or, they can make LeBron and Thompson the bigs if they want to play small and match up with the Warriors.   What they need is an upgrade at the 2-guard.   Someone who can play lock-in defense and also play off the ball for open jumpers.  Bradley is an ideal fit.    Draft picks likely need to be included, but I wouldn't add the Brooklyn pick.

[Monkhouse]

When Kevin Love played on the Wolves, he was a true star.  Yes, their team didn't win a lot of games, but he proved capable of being the top option offensively.  He's completely capable of averaging 26 and 12 as the main guy.  He wasn't an inefficient scorer.  Shooting splits of .450 FG, .360 3P, and .810 FT.   His versatility as an offensive weapon is also highly underrated at this point.  You'd have to work to mask his defensive limitations, but on offense he'd be perfect as the number one option. 

You have to take what is happening in Cleveland with a grain of salt.  There's only one basketball and Love has had to take a back seat to LeBron and Kyrie.  Rightfully so, because those two are incredible offensive players.   Love's offensive regression was expected.  Chris Bosh dipped from 24 points to 16 points and back to 21 points.  Likewise, Kevin Love has averaged 16 points since standing in the shadow of LeBron and Kyrie.   That he's struggling on this level is a bit of a surprise, but a lot of that has to do with the system, how he was utilized and and how the players fit together.  Obviously, the Cavs are making Blatt the scapegoat.  I still think it will be a challenge to have three go-to options mesh together.     

I love how Crowder has played this year.  He's proving to be a great two-way starter and a competent leader, but are we sure he has a future as a star in this league?  I understand why people don't want to give him up, but I don't think you avoid bringing in a true star like Kevin Love, because Jae Crowder has put up decent numbers for a couple months. 

I would prefer a package around Avery Bradley.  Marcus Smart is gaining steam and we have a couple young guards who might be able to put up some some quality minutes off the bench.   I don't know that Jae and Sullinger are really even the type of pieces the Cavs need.  What they could use is perimeter shooting and a quality defensive guard who can cause problems for players like Steph Curry.  Kyrie isn't a great defender.   Bradley would be perfect for the Cavs.  We'd have to include more than Bradley, but I think an offer for Love should start at probably Bradley and Love.  Maybe Bradley and Amir if the Cavs think they have a fit for Amir.   I don't know that they need him, though.  Thompson and Mozgov can be their bigs.  LeBron is obviously their SF.  Or, they can make LeBron and Thompson the bigs if they want to play small and match up with the Warriors.   What they need is an upgrade at the 2-guard.   Someone who can play lock-in defense and also play off the ball for open jumpers.  Bradley is an ideal fit.    Draft picks likely need to be included, but I wouldn't add the Brooklyn pick.

Welcome to Celticsblog, TP for first post, and an insightful one at that!

I do agree.

Bradley could be the Curry (stopper?) nuisance that CLE needs. Kyrie can just switch on Klay which will at least allow him more chances of being able to relax, and help on closeouts better.

I also think Amir would be nice, as hes athletic, lanky, and super quick on pick and roll defenses, which ironically has been their downfall.

I love Crowder. I would definitely love to keep him, but he is by no means a deal breaker.

The crazy thing is I would trade Bradley/IT over him, because his contract is not only a bargain, but will allow the Celtics to be so flexible with lineups if Crowder has indeed improved his shot. He can switch on guards, forwards, and even guard centers occasionally, (remember when he was posted up against Al Jefferson?)

I would love the idea of bringing Love, and have always been the hugest advocate of him. I don't get why people think his offense has suddenly regressed. Love should always be in the post or the elbow, or shooting threes on the transition.

I think a duo of IT/Love could score enough to carry an offense. Our defense would suffer, but I'm always curious as to whether or not Ainge is still considering the notion of bringing in Asik, or even possibly Noah.

I would love to bring back Perkins too as a backup big. I can certainly see him being a great enforcer, and mentor to our young bigs.

[number_n9ne]

I feel like getting Phoenix involved is the best idea.

To Boston: Love

To Cleveland: Chandler, Morris, 2016 Dallas 1st, extra 2nd round picks

To Phoenix: Lee, Sullinger, Rozier, 2016 Boston 1st, 2016 Philly 2nd, extra 2nd round picks

Boston gets Love and keeps its defense intact to help hide his deficiencies.

Cleveland sheds Love, gets way tougher with Morris and Chandler. Morris replaces Love's spot up shooting with less need to have the ball in his hands. Chandler can back up Mozgov and replace Varejao.

Phoenix is back to rebuilding, they need to shed the Chandler contract. They get a fat expiring, young players, and picks. Which considering how much of a head case Morris is, this seems like overpay.

I think this is an interesting trade idea, I agree with the teams involved but think players would have to be switched.  I think we'd have to take Chandler and give Amir Johnson to Cleveland.  I say this because Cleveland would want the option to get rid of Johnson to save money next year.  So by the Celtics taking Chandler it makes the deal more appealing to Cleveland.  I'm not wanting to take Chandler on but I think this would be the only way to really get Cleveland interested.

In that case I'd change it to:

To Boston: Love, Chandler

To Cleveland: Johnson, Morris, 2016 Dallas 1st, 2016 Cleveland 2nd

To Phoenix: Lee, Sullinger, Turner, 2016 Philly 2nd, 2016 Memphis 2nd

And I'd still be hesitant... lol. Chandler till he's 36? At 12-13mil a year?

[Monkhouse]

I feel like getting Phoenix involved is the best idea.

To Boston: Love

To Cleveland: Chandler, Morris, 2016 Dallas 1st, extra 2nd round picks

To Phoenix: Lee, Sullinger, Rozier, 2016 Boston 1st, 2016 Philly 2nd, extra 2nd round picks

Boston gets Love and keeps its defense intact to help hide his deficiencies.

Cleveland sheds Love, gets way tougher with Morris and Chandler. Morris replaces Love's spot up shooting with less need to have the ball in his hands. Chandler can back up Mozgov and replace Varejao.

Phoenix is back to rebuilding, they need to shed the Chandler contract. They get a fat expiring, young players, and picks. Which considering how much of a head case Morris is, this seems like overpay.

I think this is an interesting trade idea, I agree with the teams involved but think players would have to be switched.  I think we'd have to take Chandler and give Amir Johnson to Cleveland.  I say this because Cleveland would want the option to get rid of Johnson to save money next year.  So by the Celtics taking Chandler it makes the deal more appealing to Cleveland.  I'm not wanting to take Chandler on but I think this would be the only way to really get Cleveland interested.

In that case I'd change it to:

To Boston: Love, Chandler

To Cleveland: Johnson, Morris, 2016 Dallas 1st, 2016 Cleveland 2nd

To Phoenix: Lee, Sullinger, Turner, 2016 Philly 2nd, 2016 Memphis 2nd

And I'd still be hesitant... lol. Chandler till he's 36? At 12-13mil a year?

Would certainly be a great rebounding duo, and Chandler has been doing pretty well despite his weak numbers, its just a shame the Suns just aren't a good team.

Just drooling at what Stevens could do with Love with his passing..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VatCoLj6N6k

[coco]

The Celtics are: Smart, Crowder, Bradley.  That's where the toughness and grit is coming from.  We lose two of the three, Cs lose their personality/character.

If we must trade for love, we need to find a way of keeping that core.

[ThePoeticWolf]

I feel like getting Phoenix involved is the best idea.

To Boston: Love

To Cleveland: Chandler, Morris, 2016 Dallas 1st, extra 2nd round picks

To Phoenix: Lee, Sullinger, Rozier, 2016 Boston 1st, 2016 Philly 2nd, extra 2nd round picks

Boston gets Love and keeps its defense intact to help hide his deficiencies.

Cleveland sheds Love, gets way tougher with Morris and Chandler. Morris replaces Love's spot up shooting with less need to have the ball in his hands. Chandler can back up Mozgov and replace Varejao.

Phoenix is back to rebuilding, they need to shed the Chandler contract. They get a fat expiring, young players, and picks. Which considering how much of a head case Morris is, this seems like overpay.

I think this is an interesting trade idea, I agree with the teams involved but think players would have to be switched.  I think we'd have to take Chandler and give Amir Johnson to Cleveland.  I say this because Cleveland would want the option to get rid of Johnson to save money next year.  So by the Celtics taking Chandler it makes the deal more appealing to Cleveland.  I'm not wanting to take Chandler on but I think this would be the only way to really get Cleveland interested.

In that case I'd change it to:

To Boston: Love, Chandler

To Cleveland: Johnson, Morris, 2016 Dallas 1st, 2016 Cleveland 2nd

To Phoenix: Lee, Sullinger, Turner, 2016 Philly 2nd, 2016 Memphis 2nd

And I'd still be hesitant... lol. Chandler till he's 36? At 12-13mil a year?

I don't think you could really change anything else.  Because all teams have to get value.  At least Pheonix would get Rozier, maybe instead they might want Young.  Yeah Chandler is signed on a big deal but Cleveland would be looking to get money back on this deal.  By sending them Morris and Chandler it would take to much.  So Johnson they can let go and lose 12 million off there books.  They'd still need at least 1 1st rounder since they gave up 2 1st for Kevin Love.  Plus I think we'll end up resigning Turner because his versatility.  Also we're banking Chandler would want to retire. 

Honestly I don't want Love, but think this would be the only way to get a deal done with Love.   

[TheSundanceKid]

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=zp87sp6

Boson receives: Love, Chandler, Cunningham, Price
Boston gives: Lee, Sullinger, Jerebko, Zeller, Young, Bos 1st 2018, three 2016 2nd round picks, Dal 1st 2016, Mem 1st 2019

Phoenix receives: Varejao, Jerebko, Zeller, Young, Dal 1st 2016, 2016 2nd pick
Phoenix gives: Chandler, Morris, Tucker, Price

Cleveland receives: Lee, Morris, Tucker, Sullinger, Bos 1st 2018 prot 1-3, two 2016 2nd round picks, possibly Mem 1st 2019
Cleveland gives: Love, Varejao, Cunningham

Not sure Cleveland gets enough but we get to keep Amir which I think is a big bonus. Cleveland unload Varejao too. Phoenix unload their two unwanted contracts and get a few nice young pieces. Overall I like this, am I way off?

[chambers]

When Kevin Love played on the Wolves, he was a true star.  Yes, their team didn't win a lot of games, but he proved capable of being the top option offensively.  He's completely capable of averaging 26 and 12 as the main guy.  He wasn't an inefficient scorer.  Shooting splits of .450 FG, .360 3P, and .810 FT.   His versatility as an offensive weapon is also highly underrated at this point.  You'd have to work to mask his defensive limitations, but on offense he'd be perfect as the number one option. 

You have to take what is happening in Cleveland with a grain of salt.  There's only one basketball and Love has had to take a back seat to LeBron and Kyrie.  Rightfully so, because those two are incredible offensive players.   Love's offensive regression was expected.  Chris Bosh dipped from 24 points to 16 points and back to 21 points.  Likewise, Kevin Love has averaged 16 points since standing in the shadow of LeBron and Kyrie.   That he's struggling on this level is a bit of a surprise, but a lot of that has to do with the system, how he was utilized and and how the players fit together.  Obviously, the Cavs are making Blatt the scapegoat.  I still think it will be a challenge to have three go-to options mesh together.     

I love how Crowder has played this year.  He's proving to be a great two-way starter and a competent leader, but are we sure he has a future as a star in this league?  I understand why people don't want to give him up, but I don't think you avoid bringing in a true star like Kevin Love, because Jae Crowder has put up decent numbers for a couple months. 

I would prefer a package around Avery Bradley.  Marcus Smart is gaining steam and we have a couple young guards who might be able to put up some some quality minutes off the bench.   I don't know that Jae and Sullinger are really even the type of pieces the Cavs need.  What they could use is perimeter shooting and a quality defensive guard who can cause problems for players like Steph Curry.  Kyrie isn't a great defender.   Bradley would be perfect for the Cavs.  We'd have to include more than Bradley, but I think an offer for Love should start at probably Bradley and Love.  Maybe Bradley and Amir if the Cavs think they have a fit for Amir.   I don't know that they need him, though.  Thompson and Mozgov can be their bigs.  LeBron is obviously their SF.  Or, they can make LeBron and Thompson the bigs if they want to play small and match up with the Warriors.   What they need is an upgrade at the 2-guard.   Someone who can play lock-in defense and also play off the ball for open jumpers.  Bradley is an ideal fit.    Draft picks likely need to be included, but I wouldn't add the Brooklyn pick.

TP and welcome man.
Couldn't have said it better myself. Personally I'd try everything and anything by trying to send Avery Bradley and get some help from buddy boy McDonough over in Arizona to send Morris too.

Celtics get:
Kevin Love

Suns get:
2016 Dallas first
Jonas Jerebko

Cavs get:
Avery Bradley
Markief Morris
Amir Johnson
2nd round picks

I've said before that I'm 100% certain Danny is pushing to send Bradley instead of Crowder. He doesn't want Crowder or Smart going out in any Love deal, but ultimately he will do it if he has to.

As you point out, Kevin Love is an upgrade over Jae Crowder.
There is no reason why Kevin Love wouldn't average 25 points 10 rebounds in Boston.
Jae is awesome, he is the heart and sould of this Celtics team, but he's not going to be a top 3 option on a championship team. Never. Ever.

It's a trade that you MUST pull the trigger on if the opportunity arises.
Love is locked up long term, is only 27 years old and we have the defensive program that can help shield/cover any of his defensive liabilities (which are hugely over exaggerated btw).

People aren't considering the opportunities we'll have to acquire an SF with free agency, other trade, and especially the draft.

Imagine entering opening night 2016-17 with Kevin Love and Brandon Ingram or Kevin Love and Harrison Barnes.
There are going to be other options at SF and you can't give up buy low opportunities on studs like Kevin Love just because Jae Crowder has become something (amazing) out of nothing.

People's homer logic is hilariously flawed on this forum at times, and this 'I wouldn't trade Kevin Love for Jae Crowder straight up' nonsense is unreal.

Thankfully Danny Ainge is at the helm and would ultimately do a Jae for Love swap if he has to.
But you can bet your azz that he's trying his best to keep Crowder here next to Love because that would be the ultimate scenario for us.

[greenhead85]

I do not think we have any player in our current roster that attracts Lebron if he were to choose any help once KLove is being offered for a trade. We would be lucky to land KLove from the Cavs thru a direct player trade.

I think one of the best players LBJ could play alongside this season in order to go deep through the playoffs is Melo.