Could the Cavs Deal Kevin Love? One Insider Says a Trade to Denver May Happen

When the Cavs inked Kevin Love to a new deal this past summer, many felt it would be the start of a rebuild in which Love would be the centerpiece of.

Instead, it’s been a tough road for both he and the Cavs, as he’s managed to play in only four games this season due to injury as the Cavs have been at or near the basement of the NBA for most of the season.

Now as the calendar turns to 2019, there’s rumor again that the Cavs may try to deal Love and his four-year, $120 million extension out west, as Marc Stein of the New York Times says that the Denver Nuggets may be in the market for Love.

“Denver has maintained a longstanding fondness for Love, which makes you wonder if the Nuggets will be tempted to make a win-now play for the All-Star forward amid their wholly unexpected rise to the top of the West,” Stein said.

Stein points out that a deal for Love cannot take place until January 24th, but that you can bet his name will be on the list of players that might get dealt before the NBA trade deadline of February 7th.

“It is also not yet clear precisely when Love will make his return — scheduled for this month — from the early November toe surgery that has basically sidelined him all season,” Stein writes. “But just watch. There will be plenty of time for the Cavaliers to engage in some meaningful Love trade discussions.”

Stein does state that all along the Cavs have said they don’t want to deal Love, but that his history in the league and his ability to help a playoff bound team might be enough for the Cavs to send him packing, despite inking the deal this past summer.

“Although the Cavaliers have insisted for months that they want Love to be a cornerstone of a successful post-LeBron James existence — after their well-chronicled struggles to stay competitive following LeBron’s first foray into free agency in 2010 — Love continues to be regarded by some rival front offices as a difference-maker who is available for the proverbial right price,” Stein explained.

“Can I guarantee a Love trade before the deadline? No,” Stein said. “Can I promise you that we’ll wind up talking about Love as a trade candidate in a few weeks? I think I can.”

As of now there’s still no timetable for the return of Love to the Cavs lineup.