Sometimes life isn’t fair: 5 trade destinations for Kevin Love
By John Buhler
Los Angeles Clippers
West, Pacific
This could be a mutually beneficial trade for both parties. Cleveland could put together a package to send Love to the Los Angeles Clippers with power forward Blake Griffin coming the Cavaliers’ way. Of course, it may need to be a sign-and-trade with Griffin having an early termination in his contract, but this trade could make both teams better.
Love would be better equipped to play down low next to Clippers center DeAndre Jordan than Griffin ever has. Griffin has been a ball-dominant forward throughout his career and that hasn’t always meshed with point guard Chris Paul who loves to dribble the air out of the basketball. Love has shown in Cleveland that he is adept at playing off the ball anywhere on the court.
Though he doesn’t have the above-the-rim athleticism of Griffin, Love is an outstanding player in transition offense. His ability to lead fast breaks with intricate outlet passes are second to none one. He’s totally capable of trailing on a fastbreak for a spot-up transition 3-pointer if Paul doesn’t find a quick shot he likes.
Griffin would give the Cavaliers more muscle down low and another creator offensively. Sharing the rock between he, Irving and James wouldn’t be easy at first, but it could make Cleveland harder for an elite team to defend. All three players can be effective offensive players off the ball as well.
Griffin already has an ingrained dislike for the Warriors being their biggest divisional rival and all. Though he hasn’t been able to beat Golden State in recent years, Griffin could channel his energy to help James get back on top. Love with the Clippers might actually make them capable of getting to the Western Conference Finals, a would-be first in franchise history.