The Cleveland Cavaliers are planning to listen to trade offers for Kevin Love when teams can begin trading players on Dec. 15, and it is not exactly a surprise that the All-Star big man does not want to join another rebuilding team.
Love wants to be traded to a contending team if the Cavs move him, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports. Several teams are expected to be interested in Love, but Charania notes that the trade market may develop slowly between Dec. 15 and the deadline on Feb. 6. Some potential suitors could opt to wait to see if they remain in the playoff hunt over the next two months or so before trying to make a major move like acquiring Love.
Love signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Cavs after LeBron James left to join the Los Angeles Lakers. He knew he was going to become probably the best player on a rebuilding team filled with younger guys, but he said he wanted to remain in Cleveland even if LeBron left. His name was thrown around in trade rumors before the Cavs ultimately decided to try to build around him, and that has not panned out.
Injuries have been an issue with Love over the past few years, as he has not played in more than 60 games in each of the past three seasons. However, he is averaging 16.1 points and 10.5 rebounds through 18 games this season, and there should be plenty of demand for a big man who can knock down outside shots.
