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NBA Draft 2016: 5 draft day trades that will happen

By Dan Schmelzer

Dec 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) works the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99)in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) works the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99)in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Love
Jun 2, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) handles the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the fourth quarter in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Cavaliers have killed Kevin Love’s trade value over the past two seasons. Love is not best utilized as a mere corner-three specialist, and if (when?) the Cavs lose the NBA Finals, Love is extremely likely to move in the offseason.

He simply does not fit the Cavaliers’ plans. That being said, he would fit perfectly with Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are dying for an impact player on the offensive side of the court, and Love could be that guy.

The Celtics would use Love in the post, where he can impact the team in a variety of ways, instead of having him stand at the three-point line all game long. Love would still be able to impact the game as an outside shooter, but the Celtics could count on him to do so much more.

Love is undoubtedly a defensive liability, but he is an impact player on offense and has always been a strong rebounder. He would be a huge upgrade for the Celtics as an offensive post presence.

The Cavaliers would obviously love to get more in exchange for him, but his value is at an all-time low. Marcus Smart is the best part of this trade for them, and he could step in as a great perimeter defender for the Cavaliers. Amir Johnson is added to the mix mostly for salary cap reasons, but he could be a strong depth post player for the team as well.

Love is a talented NBA player who needs an opportunity to shine again. Adding both him and Butler to the mix in these series of trades would be the start of a fantastic offseason for the Celtics.

Between Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love and Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics would have a strong young core of players to build their team around.

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