Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 players who may be on trading block next

Kevin Love

Has there ever been a player in Cleveland sports history whose name comes up more in trade rumors than Kevin Love?

It’s like the Cavs have been trying to deal him ever since they acquired the four-time All-Star in a trade for No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins back in 2014.

The Cavs seemed to affirm their commitment to Love by offering a massive four-year extension this past summer, but recent rumors make that transaction seem like a lifetime ago.

Love signed that pact when the Cavs’ were still preaching the idea of competing for a playoff spot.

Well, about three games into the season, that idea got scrapped.

Three big things happened: Love got hurt. Ty Lue was fired. Zion Williamson looks like a player worth tanking for.

So the front office mandated a youth movement behind rookie Collin Sexton.

Love was upset with the direction the team took, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, via CBS Sports.

"“…He sees a scenario in which he could be traded, if the Cavs wanted and were able to acquire a package of picks, younger players and tradeable contracts,” Vardon wrote.”"

There’s a huge road block to trading Love, though. He’s making $24.2 million this season and he’s injury prone, having missed at least 20 games in each of the last three seasons.

Plus, he’s 30. Unless your LeBron James, players don’t tend to get stronger physically when they go over the NBA hill.

If the Cavs receive a great offer for Love, there’s no doubt in my mind. Owner Dan Gilbert and GM Koby Altman will pull the trigger. Love still has value to other teams because he can stretch the floor and he’s an elite defensive rebounder.

And if Love isn’t dealt, it’s not the worst thing. He can’t carry a team and I don’t expect the Cavs’ win total to increase all that much with him back in the lineup.

He’s still a nice player to have, especially with Sexton on the floor.

And then who knows which prospect the Cavs will come away with in the draft.