Overall and trade proposition
In this case, there are strong arguments on either side of the equation as to potential acquisition of Love.
Aside from his elite pedigree and lengthy accomplishments, the strongest argument for acquiring Love would likely be his first alongside Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt.
While Kelly Olynyk and James Johnson each have their own strengths which they bring to the table, Love is on a completely different level.
Love has posted 11 career 40-point games, the remainder of the Heat roster has a total of nine 40-point games, thus illustrating his capacity to be a genuine difference maker.
On the flip side, the fact Love has missed 105 of a possible 246 regular season games over the past three seasons certainly raises some serious red flags.
Given the combination of a lengthy injury history and $120 million owed over the coming four seasons, Love’s acquisition represents an enormous risk, no matter the team involved.
In terms of orchestrating a trade, the following deal works out financially on the TradeNBA website:
Overall, the deal provides the Cavaliers with a rising star prospect in Justise Winslow, a terrific veteran presence and $19.2 million expiring contract in Goran Dragic, and a future first round selection to stash down the road.
For the Heat, the ability to land a bona fide All-Star with still multiple elite seasons ahead of him represents an excellent complement to the arrival of Jimmy Butler.
So while the loss of Winslow would hurt, and that a floor general would need to be acquired in a separate deal, a lineup featuring Love, Butler, Bam Adebayo and the rest of the roster would certainly give followers of the Heat reason to be optimistic following an underwhelming 39-win season.