Cavs rumors: Kevin Love holds up Carmelo Anthony, Paul George trade
In Cleveland Cavs rumors, Kevin Love reportedly was the reason the Cavs couldn’t make a mega trade that would’ve landed Paul George and Carmelo Anthony on the north shore.
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith said the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks were involved in a mega, five-team deal that would’ve landed Carmelo Anthony and Paul George to Cleveland.
So, what held up the trade? Smith said on a recent podcast that Melo had some hesitancy about the trade, and then Smith said this about Love. Tune into the 30-minute mark to hear Smith’s take on the Cavs.
"“…More importantly: Nobody wanted to take Kevin Love…The combination of Griffin getting fired, along with Love’s contract that nobody wants, because I”ve been telling you for months, the knee and the back have been issues with Kevin Love…the deal ain’t happening.”"
Smith said he knew about this deal, but was waiting for “permission” to go public with the rumor.
Love’s contract is an issue for teams. Love, 28, is under contract for three more years and is owed around $72 million.
Must Read: 6 moves the Cavs must make this offseason
Smith also said something that may resonate with some Cavalier fans who never fully embraced the idea of trading away the No. 1 for Love three summers ago.
"“If you’re a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, you’re sick to your stomach. You could’ve been sitting her imagining no Kevin Love, but LeBorn and Kyrie with Paul and Melo. Lord have mercy, that’s what you could’ve had!”"
Smith’s bloviator reputation may not convince the masses that this rumor is legit, but ESPN scribe Ramona Shelburne talked about this exact trade on a recent ESPN regional podcast.
Tune in around the 3-minute mark to hear Shelburne talk about the fear teams have over Love’s back and knee issues.
Love tore his labrum during the first round of the 2015 against the Boston Celtics. He played just 60 games this season because he was battling knee injuries. Shelburne said once trades become closer to going through, teams can take a closer look at a player’s medical report, and look “deeper under the hood,” if you will.
So what do the Cavs do? Shelburne sees a move, but maybe not the blockbuster Cavs’ Country has been predicting.
"“I think if they are able to swing something, they are swinging a much smaller deal. There are guys who will be out there this year because teams are feeling the sticker shock of what they did last year.”"
Poor Love.
Has there been a more under appreciated All-Star in the NBA?
He went from a 26-point scorer, 16-rebound per night player with the T-Wolves, to a new role with the Cavs. His numbers took a dip, but he didn’t need to carry the load with the Cavs, like he did with the Wolves.
The problem with Love is that he’s a terrific matchup against every team in the league except the Golden State Warriors. He just becomes a lesser player against the Warriors’ small lineup.
He’s supposed to be a member of a “Big 3,” but can the Cavs even call their trio a “Big 3” any longer when one player can’t be on the floor against the league’s best team?
Next: What's holding up Billups' Decision?
Statistically, Love had his best season with the Cavs, averaging 19 points per game and 11.1 rebounds per night. He averaged 16 points and and 11.2 rebounds in the Finals.