NBA Rumors: Kevin Love Trade Could Backfire On Portland Trail Blazers

KEY POINTS

Cavs reportedly have new optimism of getting an NBA trade done
Love wants to join a contender but Portland may not be it
Blazers need to consider team salary budget if they are to get Love

The Cleveland Cavaliers have repeatedly doused water on Kevin Love trade rumors but most feel that it will eventually go down. So far, nothing close to an NBA deal has been made but some feel that something will come up soon.

The optimism of an NBA trade involving love comes from Marc Stein of the New York Times. Before 2019 ended, he posted a tweet claiming he has heard that the Cavs may have just found a workable trade for the 31-year-old big man.

Of course, most know that getting a Love trade includes dealing with a four-year $120 million deal the one-time NBA champion holds. It has been the main block for other teams, most who do not have the luxury of cap space. One team that could be leading the race in Portland. The Trail Blazers are reportedly a preference for the five-time All-Star. If true, they need to send off some players and add future picks for the Cavs to bite.

Some players that the Blazers could dangle are Hassan Whiteside or Kent Bazemore. Both are on expiring deals. Whiteside holds a $27.1 million deal while Bazemore is owed $19.3 million. Love prefers to join Portland, a place he calls home.

However, he also mentioned he wanted to join a contender. Portland does have Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, an explosive backcourt that could be perfect for the 5th overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft. But as far as being tagged as a contender, critics are divided, NBC Sports reported.

But like most teams, the Blazers have their eyes on other NBA stars available via trade. There is Danilo Gallinari of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 31-year-old holds an expiring deal but his offense is something that could boost the Trail Blazers campaign.

As for Love, there is no doubt he is a valuable asset head coach Terry Stotts would welcome with open arms. But looking at the long term, they need to be aware that taking in Love's contract could also work against them. With their current roster, there are players with expiring deals that would give them about $20 million to spend the next NBA season. Taking in love will certainly alter those numbers.