Clippers, Cavaliers Working On Kevin Love Trade
The Clippers and Cavaliers are working on a Kevin Love trade, it appears.
Cleveland is in the midst of a rebuild. Los Angeles is looking to compete for a title.
The incentives for both teams to get this deal done are clear.
With the NBA Trade Deadline just one day away, the time to make moves is now.
The Clippers can offer Moe Harkless’ expiring $11.5 million contract and a first round pick in return for a difference-maker.
Sports Illustrated NBA insider Chris Mannix recently suggested that LA may use those things to trade for Cleveland’s Love and Tristan Thompson.
“The Clippers have kicked the tires on Kevin Love and could grab disgruntled Kings center Dewayne Dedmon, but neither are preferred options,” Mannix wrote.
“There is some interest in Tristan Thompson in LA’s front office, per sources, as LA’s coaching staff has fretted about the team’s rebounding, particularly when Ivica Zubac is off the floor.”
Love is currently averaging 17.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per outing. He is also shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from the three-point line.
The problem with the 31-year-old is his contract.
Love is owed $120 million over the next four years.
Thompson is on an expiring deal that pays him $18.5 million. So far this season he is averaging 10.4 rebounds per game.
During a recent interview, Love noted that he did not believe he would be traded before the deadline.
“Naw, it’s funny, I didn’t even consider that, oddly, not until this very moment,” he said.
“It could be the same thing for a few guys here. Tristan (Thompson) didn’t play tonight, I just don’t know what’s going to happen.
“We’ll let the chips fall, I’ve been saying that. But I expect to probably finish the season out here and continue to play extremely hard.”
Will the Clippers and Cavaliers ultimately get a deal done?
We’re about 24 hours away from getting our answer.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
