Fansided

20 bold predictions for the NBA’s second half

By Luke Dahlgren

Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Magic Johnson (left) speaks during a tribute to Western Conference forward Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (right) prior to the start of the NBA All Star Game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Magic Johnson (left) speaks during a tribute to Western Conference forward Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (right) prior to the start of the NBA All Star Game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts alongside forward Kevin Love (0) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts alongside forward Kevin Love (0) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 101-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Love will not be traded at the deadline

Kevin Love is going nowhere. Just listen to the Cavs’ GM.

Sure, Kevin Love has struggled mightily as the third member of the New Big Three. He’s only shooting 41.7% from the field, including a drop off from 48% to 45.6% inside the three point line.

But there is starting to be a serious boy-who-cried-wolf type of situation whenever Love is mentioned in the same sentence as “trade rumors.” Particularly if the Boston Celtics are involved.

A large amount of trade rumors involving the Cleveland Cavaliers center around the prospect of the team picking up Knicks SF Carmelo Anthony, but that would be clearly NOT in the team’s best interests. Anthony is an older player, a worse defender and another player who mostly thrives on isolation plays. The last thing that the Cavs need is another on-the-ball dominant player to slow down the offense.

What the Cavs need is for their core to maintain chemistry. Any trade must involve the team finding supporting peices that can help LeBron and Kyrie and Love produce. They need players who can space the floor on offense and set good screens. They need players who have the flexibility to guard multiple positions. They need players who can crash the boards on both sides of the court.

No, the Love trade rumors are just a juicy distraction.

Next: 6-MOTY

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