NBA Rumors: Kevin Love Likely To Make Trade Demands To Pressure Cavs

Kevin Love is one name that is expected to be moving soon. With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the only thing believed to be delaying the 31-year-old's transfer is the hefty price tag he has.

Surprisingly, Love is not in a hurry to leave Cleveland. Critics have observed that the five-time NBA All-Star has not made trade demands and appears to be professional about his current predicament. Compared to that outburst he had with general manager Koby Altman, the 6-foot-8 big man seems to be pretty calm these days. In fact, he seems to be playing nice when Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com caught up with him after the team's loss to the Washington Wizards.

"I fully plan on continuing to help these guys, continuing to help—Tristan [Thompson], myself, Larry [Nance Jr.]—these guys, being a leader with all the veterans. And this place, Cleveland, the fans, they've been really, really good to me," said Love.

While it appears that the previous issue has been settled, it is no guarantee that the Cavs will pull the plug on a potential Love trade. However, some NBA executives believe that dealing the one-time NBA champion will not be easy. And the reason behind that is the $28.9 million he is due this year and the remaining $91 million over the next three years.

In a previous post, it was explained how the Cavs could be preparing for an imminent Love trade. They parted with players like Jordan Clarkson, Alfonzo McKinnie and Tyler Cook while giving Levi Randolph a two-way contract. That left Cleveland with two open roster spots, ones that could be for a couple players needed to deal away Love.

A team that has been repeatedly linked is the Portland Trail Blazers. Hassan Whiteside was mentioned as one player that could be dealt together with Kent Bazemore. Unfortunately, Bazemore is already out of the picture after the Blazers traded him to the Sacramento Kings.

The Miami Heat could be a plausible destination as well. With Pat Riley wanting to improve the roster heading into the playoffs, guys like Dion Waiters, James Johnson, Goran Dragic or Kelly Olynyk could be dangled. But the Cavs may only talk if there are future picks involved.

Love is averaging 17.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 38 games this season. Those are fairly good numbers that any NBA playoff-bound team would love to have. Could there be a Love trade happening before Feb. 6?