NBA Trade Speculations: Celtics May Consider Gordon Hayward For Kevin Love To Upgrade Frontline

Kevin Love could be moving out of Cleveland this season. So far, only two NBA teams have been mentioned. They are the Portland Trail Blazers and the Miami Heat.

The Blazers would be a homecoming of sorts for Love while a move to South Beach could finally rid the Heat of their overpriced talent. As most probably know by now, Dion Waiters, Goran Dragic, and James Johnson are walking on thin ice and a trade with the Cavs for the 31-year-old forward could make sense. Much of this was discussed in a previous report.

Broadening the list of NBA teams who could deal for Love, the Boston Celtics could be a plausible destination. In a suggested trade scenario by Complex.com, the Cavs would get often-injured Gordon Hayward in return. Boston would also get Cleveland's 2022 first-round pick in the deal.

The Celtics could make use of Love who can do it all upfront. Although Enes Kanter is doing a good job off the boards, he is not a scorer in the level of Love. Love is averaging 17.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 34 games this season. These numbers are far bigger than Kanter's 9.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.1. assists.

As for Hayward, the 29-year-old is putting up decent numbers. In 20 games, he has averaged 16.0 points 5.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists. It would be best to note that Hayward has missed games due to injuries - something that could haunt him when he hits free agency this summer. The one-time NBA all-star is set to become an unrestricted free agent once his current $34 million deal runs out.

A move to the Cavs could make sense since Cleveland will finally get some added offensive sock and a wing player they have longed for. As for the suggested pick included, the Cavs could either keep it or trade it - depending on their needs.

In a way, the Celtics could get a big upgrade with Love. Hayward's only issue is his ability to stay healthy. This could be an area the Cavs may want to look into - if this is a trade Cleveland would entertain.