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2016 NBA Draft Primer: Central Division

By Ryan Blackburn

Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Cavaliers

Draft Picks: None

Team Needs: Finding a new home for Kevin Love, 3-and-D wing player

Untouchable Players: LeBron james, Kyrie Irving

Expendable Assets: Kevin Love

Summary:

It’s very difficult to figure out what the Cleveland Cavaliers should do, considering they just forced a Game 7 against one of the best teams to ever play basketball in the Golden State Warriors. That being said, one thing is clear: Kevin Love doesn’t fit…like, at all.

The Cavs have tried to make things work with their three stars, but the fact of the matter is that Kevin Love operates best with the ball in his hands. He’s a great post scorer, passer, and inside-out power forward. That type of player doesn’t fit with LeBron James though.

James has demonstrated his greatness once again in these NBA Finals, and his best position has been power forward. He needs multiple floor spacers around him in order to maximize the potential of the team. Dealing Kevin Love has not just become a possibility, but almost mandatory.

Ideal Draft Day Trade:

The Celtics don’t need to relinquish their third overall selection in this deal because the Cavs don’t need it, but they would give up two selections to a team that doesn’t have any.

Love is replaced by two players who don’t need the basketball in their hands to succeed. Bradley and Crowder also provide excellent defense, which would cover for the lackluster showings at times from Irving and James.

Predictions:

With the Finals being played out on Sunday night, four days before the NBA Draft, it’s very difficult to expect that David Griffin could swing a deal so immediately involving such a major piece in Kevin Love. That being said, rumors will fly all the way through the draft about a Love deal.

I wouldn’t expect for a deal to happen so soon, even though Love’s value could be during draft night if the Cavs have identified players they want to select. Look for the Cavs to sit out draft night unless they can swing a deal involving their star power forward.

Next: Detroit Pistons