Derrick Rose on Kevin Love trade: ‘That’s a great move’ for Cavaliers

With the Cleveland Cavaliers set to acquire big man Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves on August 23, the competition for Derrick Rose’s Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference is much steeper.

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Despite the fact that such a move likely makes his basketball life more difficult, Rose spoke positively about the Cavaliers’ trade to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Rose previously spoke on the Love trade to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times, and it would seem he disagrees with my assessment that the deal decreases the chance he leads his Bulls to the NBA Finals.

"“For us, I don’t think it will change anything,’’ Rose said last week when asked about the Love rumors, which became reality Thursday when the Cavs and Timberwolves reached a deal. “We know that no matter who we play that we have a legit chance to beat anyone in the league, but we know that it’s not going to be easy at all because guys are getting better.“You have the guys going to different teams, and it’s going to be tough. But that’s why we’re in the NBA, and that’s why we love this game, for the challenge.’’"

The reality is that the Cavaliers with Love, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are likely the favorite in the East. But it’s not like anyone should expect Rose to admit that or be intimidated by Cleveland.

Rose will have his work cut out for him in 2014-15, but he has an excellent supporting cast around him and if he remains healthy, his squad could absolutely challenge the Cavs for Eastern Conference supremacy.