5. Kevin Love
If you forgot Kevin Love was playing on the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, you’re probably not alone. The Cavs have shown signs of progress in their youth movement this season, which makes Love expendable.
As for his playing, well, he really hasn’t been. The big man is currently out with a calf strain. So far, he’s played just two games all season.
It’s also not clear when he will be returning to the lineup. He was held out of practice over the weekend and isn’t yet ready to play in games. Perhaps he will be by the trade deadline, though.
When Love is healthy, he is an adept shooter from beyond-the-arc, especially for a big man. Prior to this season, Love has made at least 36 percent of his 3-point attempts in seven consecutive years.
Cleveland has already shown a willingness to move Drummond, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they’d be willing to move Love as well. There’s no reason for them to continue paying a veteran who won’t be part of their rebuild.
That being said, it might be difficult for the Cavs to move on. It’s hard enough to deal him with the $91.5 million he’s owed over the next three years even assuming he’s healthy – which he’s not. Most teams aren’t going to be willing to pay that kind of money on a prayer.
If Love turns from trade target to buyout candidate, however, the equation definitely changes. Expect the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers (especially with Anthony Davis’ health up in the air) to make a run at Love if he’s bought out.