Not only should the Cavaliers not trade Kevin Love, they should re-sign him
By Chad Porto
Kevin Love deserves one final contract from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
When it comes to Kevin Love and his future with the Cleveland Cavaliers, just call me the Cleveland weather, because I’m all over the place. I was very adamant that we should trade him last off-season, just to get out of his attitude issue. I didn’t think he had much left in the tank and didn’t think he could play 41 games, let alone 72 games. Yet, that’s exactly what he did and if memory serves me correct, he only missed most of those games due to a positive COVID test.
So it wasn’t like he was really banged up.
He shot really well too, just shy of 40% from three while pulling down 14 points and seven rebounds per game. That’s not even on Love being bad at rebounding, but having to contend with Lauri Markkanen, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley at any given time. The Cavs were not hurting in rebounds.
Love showed he has a bit left to offer, despite turning 34-years-old. It’s very possible he has two or three more years in him at least. Yet, more and more people are talking about trade scenarios for Love and the Cavaliers.
Not only should the Cavs not trade Love, but an extension is in order.
Kevin Love should retire as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Love is entering his last year with the Cavaliers and carries a near $30 million hit this season. While some will suggest flipping him for another big contract player, I don’t agree. The talent that we could get for Love isn’t exactly going to be a world-beater.
Who would you want for Love, assuming he wasn’t the only asset? Bradley Beal? He’s nearly 30, beaten up, and isn’t worth the contract he has, let alone the one he’ll get. Zach LaVine? Sure, he’s a massive upgrade over Isaac Okoro but so is Collin Sexton, who’s also a player the Cavs want to give a new deal to as well.
No one is giving up a lottery pick for Love, and the odds you can land a guy like Devin Booker for his contract are astronomically low, so considering you’re likely not to upgrade the roster in a massive way, the best bet is to have him play out the year and offer him a new deal.
What that deal is would be anyone’s guess.
Two to three years would be a good starting point and no more than $10 million per year. I think a three-year, $25 million deal would be fair for what he brings to the table at this stage in his career. If Love is open to ending his career with the Cavs, then maybe Love can win another award like Sixth-Man of the Year, or even eek his way into the All-Star Game one final time.
Either would cement his Hall of Fame status, plus getting the Cavs back to the playoffs and being a key reason they succeed wouldn’t hurt either. Love is able to hold his own still offensively and, shockingly enough, defensively. You don’t give up guys who are net positives on both sides of the court like Love is.
Get that new deal in place.