The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly discussed a trade that would radically change the landscape of the Western Conference.
According to reports, the deal in question would send Kevin Love to the Warriors in return for an unspecified package. The Warriors would then subsequently send Draymond Green to a third team.
Scoop: Warriors and Cavs have held talks on a deal that sends Kevin Love to Golden State.
Draymond Green would be sent to a 3rd team, per league source. pic.twitter.com/L6zueO3YGg
— Ross 🏀 (@LegionHoopsRoss) November 13, 2020
When Green signed his most recent four-year, $100 million deal, many remarked at the time that it felt like the sort of contract you give a player you expect to move before the deal is up. If this Love trade ends up coming to fruition, then that will prove to be a particularly astute observation.
Actions have consequences. https://t.co/MMPsr3lA67
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 13, 2020
Love, meanwhile, is entering the second year of a four-year, $120 million contract. This past season he averaged 17.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game while shooting 85 percent from the free throw line and 45 percent from the field.
Cleveland clearly has its sights set on the future, and Love doesn’t fit with the organization’s plans long-term. Andre Drummond presents a similar problem for the front office. In that sense, a deal with the Warriors makes a lot of sense.
What further adds fuel to the fire is the fact that Golden State has come out in recent weeks and expressly admitted that size is an area of concern for the team, presumably in anticipation of looming showdowns with the champion Los Angeles Lakers.
They weren’t having it. https://t.co/LPQj1r5kGR
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 13, 2020
When pressed on what the Warriors should do with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Stephen Curry specifically pointed to size as a hole which needs to be plugged.
“I think we could use some size, but for the most part it’s just trying to fill out the roster and get us as much depth as possible,” he said at the time.
By that logic, the addition of Love would align perfectly with what the team needs most.
Just Shaq being Shaq. https://t.co/GKZv7wNq61
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 13, 2020
That said – Green has been a foundational piece of the Warriors’ dynasty for a long time. Would the front office really flip him for one to two good years max of 32-year-old Love?
Beyond that, Green has a very specific playing style. It has been perfect for Golden State over the past five years, but it would make for a questionable fit with a lot of other franchises. How much of a trade market would there really be for the 30-year-old at this juncture, with so many years remaining on his deal? That remains to be seen.
One way or another, both the Warriors and Cavaliers are looking to improve heading into next season. How will they do it? Time will tell.
Related: Blazers Stars React To Russell Westbrook Trade News
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
