Cavs: This trade could see Cleveland move on from Kevin Love

The Cavs are not going anywhere, and the team is hoping to move Kevin Love, and thanks to LaMarcus Aldridge this could finally happen.

To be clear, Kevin Love is one of my most favorite players in the NBA. I’d love for him to end his career in Cleveland, but it’s pretty obvious that he won’t. The Cavs aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and Love will more than likely want to be apart of a contender sometime soon. With his recent return to the court after 30+ games away, the time to move him is now. No deal looked possible, however, that was until Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge decided he was done in San Antonio.

That sets the Cavs up in a perfect place to move on from Love’s contract, and possibly get an asset back in return. To be clear, no one is looking at giving away a huge talent with a dearth of potential for Love. No, you’re going to want to get back something, but not try to be so demanding in the process. So what can you get back from the Spurs?

Also, keep in mind, any trade of Aldrige will see the Cavs buyout the potential future Hall of Famer. So he’s by no means the asset here. The trade is built around the idea of the Spurs getting younger at power forward, adding three-point shooting, and contending for the playoffs. While Greg Popovich said he wants to do something for Aldridge, most would agree the seven-time All-Star would probably prefer to pick his next destination. So a trade to Cleveland and a buyout makes sense.

Here’s the trade idea, and keep in mind, the Cavaliers may have to give up a bit more to move on from Love’s contract.

The first thing that happens after the trade is Aldridge getting bought out. This deal works on all levels. It works out for Aldridge as he gets to pick his next home for a playoff run. It works out for the Spurs, as they’re 15-11 at the moment and are 26th in the league in three-point shots attempted. Love gives them a true power forward (6’5 Keldon Johnson is their current starter) and a genuine player who can stretch the court and allow JakobPoeltl, a quiet contender for defensive player of the year, a chance to work on both sides of the court.

It gives the Cavs relief from Love’s contract and a potential young player in Luka Samanic who’s quite agile on the low post and could develop into a unique player.

Sure, you may have to throw in a second-round pick to get Samanic, but considering how little he’s played, it should be possible to wrestle him away from San Antonio.