Cleveland Cavs: Best Kevin Love trade options for all 29 NBA teams

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Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Gets: F Kevin Love
Cleveland Gets: Courtney Lee, Delon Wright, Jalen Brunson, one first-round draft pick

This move makes very little sense for Dallas, admittedly. Another stretch-four? That’s bad booking. Kevin Love though could come off the bench, or maybe they run with three forwards and no true center and play Love next to Kristap Porzingis. That will allow star Luka Doncic another option to pass to. Courtney Lee won’t be on the Cavs roster next season and Delon Wright will be shipped. Jalen Brunson and the first-rounder are the keys to this deal.

Trade Grade: B-

Houston Rockets (Off-Season Trade)

Houston Gets: F Kevin Love
Cleveland Cavs: F P.J. Tucker, Danuel House Jr., Eric Gordon, two first-round draft picks

This trade can only be made in the offseason. The only other option is to trade Clint Capela to Cleveland, and that seems unlikely that the Rockets would give up their best defensive player for another offensive scorer. Would the Cavs hold off until the off-season? Sure, if this is the best offer on the table. As Eric Gordon is unable to be traded until the end of February, a mid-season trade can’t be done.

Trade Grade: C+

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Gets: F Kevin Love
Cleveland Gets: G Grayson Allen, G Tyus Jones, F Andre Iguodala, 2020 lottery-protected first-round draft pick, one second-round draft pick

With the Grizzlies competing earlier than expected, a move to get a veteran might make sense. The team is looking to move Andre Iguodala, who would be waived by Cleveland, and Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen could be solid pieces going forward. The hope is that Memphis makes the playoffs, and the pick goes to Cleveland.

Trade Grade: B-

New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Gets: F Kevin Love
Cleveland Gets: F/C Derrick Favors, G E’Twaun Moore, unprotected first-round draft pick

If the Pelicans want to make sure Zion Williamson’s first year in the league ends in the playoffs, this is the way to go. Only three games out, the Pelicans are within striking distance and the move would be a huge lift to the team’s offense. Getting back Lonzo Ball would be awesome, but with the number of guards already on the team, the last thing the Cavs need is more glut at the guard positions.

Trade Grade: C+

San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Gets: F Kevin Love
Cleveland Gets: PG Patty Mills, F DeMarre Carroll, F Trey Lyles, F Luka Samanic, 2020 first-round draft pick.

Patty Mills would get waived and DeMarre Carroll would sit at the end of the bench for years to come. Trey Lyles and Luka Samanic may offer some potential but the first-round draft pick is the key to this trade. Kevin Love would bolster the Spurs offense and help them at least contend for the playoffs for another year.

Trade Grade: C

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