Kevin Love unhappy in Cleveland
A lot of players targeted in trades have either a passive aggressively poor relationship, or an openly frustrating relationship with their organization. Cousins is a prime example of that, as his time with the Kings was filled with more drama than success.
Even Nurkic falls into that category. His final weeks in Denver rubbed him the wrong way as he butted heads with the coaching staff over playing time. His departure wasn’t prefaced by as much media drama as Kevin Love’s situation, however.
The Cleveland All-Star forward is stuck in some rough waters out east. He missed one game due to illness. Surprisingly, the legitimacy of his actual level of sickness was questioned by Isaiah Thomas.
Thomas, acquired earlier this summer during that other blockbuster trade involving Kyrie Irving, has only been active for the Cavaliers for less than a month. He still felt the power to step up and target Love.
The team held a meeting, where some players also questioned Love about his early departure against OKC. It’s unclear what conclusion was drawn, if any. Tensions seem to be high, however, heightened by the team’s surprising struggles on the court.
Cleveland is still very much alive in the Eastern Conference, so they might not be looking to sell at all. Instead, Cleveland will try and trade smaller assets to acquire win-now players instead of trading away one of its best players.
The biggest issue: needs
This is where the main question comes into play. Is there even any substance to the possibility of Love wanting to come to Portland, or Portland wanting him?
Love may have roots in Oregon, but there’s skepticism regarding his actual desire to return home and play. Much like Kevin Durant’s relationship with Washington D.C., Love has spent his entire adult life away from his childhood state.
After growing up in Lake Oswego and playing for their high school, Love committed to UCLA, playing one season there before being drafted. The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted him and Love spent his early career there before being traded to Cleveland in 2015.
That’s ten years of Love not living in the Pacific Northwest. He still expresses love for the city and team, but has never had an open desire to return and play for Portland. At the end of the day, though, it’s not up to Love to make the final decision. If the Blazers offer the best package for the power forward, then he will return home whether he wants to or not.
Blazers need wings
On the flip side, is there a need for Love in Portland? Again, perimeter defense and slashing offensive players should be at the top of Portland’s “Trade Wishlist.”
We know players such as Kent Bazemore not only provide that, but are also more available to acquire. So why would the Blazers go after Kevin Love?
It’s simple: if a player that good can be had, especially with the amount of leverage Portland has over Cleveland due to all of this drama, a team needs to pull the trigger. Olshey seems to be scared of doing so, leaving a huge question mark across this entire proposal.