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NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Kevin Love deals Cavaliers need to make

By Tom West

Nov 23, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts after making a three-point basket in the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts after making a three-point basket in the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) celebrates a basket with guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Pistons won 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) celebrates a basket with guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Pistons won 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

4. A multi-player Detroit Pistons deal

Now, let’s consider a bigger package deal. One that can land the Cavaliers a set of new wing players who can offer versatility at different positions, some shooting, and defense to handle the kind of competition they’ll be facing in the Finals.

In this scenario, the Cavs can send Love to the Detroit Pistons for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ersan Ilysova and, if they’re able to entice Detroit enough, Marcus Morris. On top of that, the Cavs may even be able to land a draft pick due to the high value of Love for both his talent and the four years left on his contract.

Ilysova isn’t too important in this trade, although his 37.2 percent three-point shooting is at least a nice asset to have on the bench. Caldwell-Pope, on the other hand, could be a great addition in Cleveland. He can hassle most guards on defense and gives the Cavs another option to tackle the likes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, or the overall efficiency of the Spurs. KCP can create his own shot at times too, but his defense is the key here.

As for Morris, he’s 6’9″ and can be utilized at both forward positions. He’s a solid rebounder with a respectable jump shot inside the arc (and the odd three), and is another physical presence to challenge stretch fours like Draymond Green on the perimeter in ways that Love cannot.

In this instance, the Pistons are obviously giving up a few of their important pieces. At the same time, though, they’re getting a star in Love who we’ve seen dominate in a major offensive role, not to mention the excellent frontcourt match he’ll form with the brute strength, rebounding and defense of Andre Drummond. The Pistons could thrive with an elite stretch four, and Love is an ideal option for them.

For the Cavs, they get some interchangeable pieces who are both athletic, can produce enough offense in limited roles, and can be used well defensively against Golden State or anyone else for that matter.

Next: 3. Targeting another versatile wing

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