The Boston Celtics could acquire Kevin Love from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a rumored trade scenario involving six other players from both teams.
A hypothetical trade scenario involving the Cavs and Celtics is making its way around the internet. In the rumored deal, the Celtics would receive Kevin Love, Mike Dunleavy and Mo Williams from the Cavs, who then acquire Amir Johnson, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowded and Marcus Smart.
Essentially, such deal would work under the NBA salary guidelines and ESPN's trade machine, but it is highly unlikely it happens in the foreseeable future.
It is no secret the Celtics are looking to acquire another star to further improve their lineup. Love has been rumored as a trade target for Boston during the offseason, but any potential trade talks involving the All-Star forward may have already been buried this season.
Love is playing his best season as part of the Cavs, averaging 21.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, the highest since getting traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves to Cleveland. Part of Cleveland's success early in the season is Love no longer playing as the odd man alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, and it seems the 28-year-old forward has found his niche on the team.
Nevertheless, Love isn't a great fit for the Celtics. The summer acquisition of Al Horford has indicated the Cs may no longer interested in trading for Love. While Horford is playing at the five spot, his skills somewhat resembles Love's game minus the 43.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
Moreover, acquiring an All-Star caliber player like Love would require the Celtics to give up future assets and break up their core roster. As stated in the trade scenario above, a deal could involve Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart, who are playing essential roles for the Celtics.
The Celtics could still be in position to orchestrate major trades before the deadline, with the team in possession of several assets. But as far as trading for Love, it may now be a pipedream for teams like the Celtics unless the Cavs disappointingly fail to defend their title.
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