NBA Rumors: Boston Celtics Can Get Kevin Love From Cleveland Via These Trade Scenarios

Kevin Love has been the talk of the town not just this season but in almost every season due to the experience that he can bring to any NBA team he was linked with. Being the only remnant of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ “Big Three” with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, there is no denying that Love will be an integral piece to a team gunning for the trophy.

The Boston Celtics are no exception. The team is built around young talent that showed tremendous potential and it went all in full display two seasons ago when he was ruled out during their playoff run to remove screws on his left patella. Young guns Terry Rozier, Jaylen Brown, and then-rookie Jayson Tatum carried the fight for the Celtics before bowing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round.

With Boston relying on Daniel Theis and Enes Kanter still finding his way after his return from injury, Love could be the man for coach Brad Stevens. The 12-year veteran’s versatile game can help extend the opponent’s defense from beyond the three-point line, which can help Kemba Walker penetrate the gap opened by the defense with Love’s man coming out.

Hardwood Houdini recently discussed why Boston is an ideal destination for the former NBA champion with potential trade scenarios – if the Celtics want to gain some, they have to give out some.

Option 1: Boston sends Gordon Hayward for Kevin Love, Cedi Osman, and a 2020 lottery pick.

Bringing in Osman and a potential lottery pick with Love is something that the Celtics can capitalize on. Osman gives the Celtics another young forward, who plays the same position as Hayward, with a lower salary. Love can be the steady force inside that can dominate the boards at any given night. Hayward is coming off an injury with his hand and is expected to play against the Cavs tonight so this is an opportunity to look at the possibility of sending out one of the city’s most beloved players to the other side – just like how they handled the Isaiah Thomas situation.

Option 2: Boston sends Gordon Hayward and a 2020 lottery pick from Memphis for Kevin Love and Darius Garland

Outside of the need for size underneath for Boston, Darius Garland gives Stevens another guard that can lead the second unit. The fifth pick of last year’s draft is averaging 11 points and close to three assists in 22 games as a starter alongside Collin Sexton. If Cleveland agrees to this deal, they will be getting another chance to get a potential lottery pick in this upcoming draft, which includes Cole Anthony, LaMelo Ball, or even RJ Hampton to team up with Hayward.

Option 3: Boston sends Gordon Hayward, Daniel Theis, Semi Ojeleye, Enes Kanter, Memphis’ 2020 lottery pick and Celtics’ 2020 protected lottery pick for Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson

Emphasizing on adding up legit big man, they can throw out a lot of players and lottery picks for Love and Tristan Thompson. The Cavaliers can use this deal to fill up slots that will be left by players who are on expiring contracts such as Brandon Knight, Jordan Clarkson, Ante Zizic, and Thompson per Basketball-Reference. Adding size for potentially bringing a new-look Cavaliers with a phalanx of players could be a possible option that they can consider.