NBA Trade Rumors 2016: After Blatt Firing, Is Kevin Love Next?

By Jude Abastar, Christian Post Contributor Sunday, January 24, 2016

As long as LeBron James remains in Cleveland and Kyrie Irving finds a way to be healthy, the Cavaliers are still going to be one of the elite teams in the league. But it does not mean they can readily beat the Golden State Warriors or the San Antonio Spurs with the current lineup they have and the sudden coaching change.

The departure of David Blatt has left not just a coaching void but a lot of uncertainties for a team that has been winning but not dominating. It's becoming clearer right now that Blatt, even though he took this same team to the NBA Finals last season, was never a good fit for James. The superstar won't confess he had a part in his firing, but everyone knows for a fact that their relationship hasn't been that great.

Now if the issue was being unfit, where does this leave Kevin Love? Upon arriving in Cleveland from Minnesota, Love has not really found his old self as a member of the Cavaliers. He hasn't returned to the All-Star and his role in this team looks quite different to what he was for the Timberwolves. Looking at all the angles, it looks like he also might be on his way out.

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Love's offense is always there, but his defense is questionable. He gets outside shots like no other power forward can and will give his team the points needed in crunch time. But for a player who is worth more than $100 million, that's apparently not enough.

What the Cavs need at this point is someone who can play defense and lock down opponents, especially if they want to beat a team like the Warriors who are always on attack mode. They shouldn't be worried too much about winning the East since they can defeat any team in their conference. But the West is a different story and the only way for them to be competitive is to have a defensive mentality like the San Antonio Spurs.

Placing Love on the trading block means they'll certainly get interest from several teams that need his offensive abilities and versatility in spreading the floor. There is no doubt a team will be more than willing to part ways with their young players who can cover and defend multiple positions, especially in the wing.

The power forward has no identity in a team dominated by James and Kyrie Irving. Ironically, he was once the only star in Minnesota, but this time, he's a third option.