5 potential trade destinations for Kevin Love

4. Dallas Mavericks

Here’s something that’s scary: It’s pretty clear Luka Doncic needs help, and yet, the Dallas Mavericks still own the NBA’s top-ranked offense. Kristaps Porzingis has produced, but he’s done so inefficiently. A collection of role players like the up-and-down Tim Hardaway Jr., bench shooter Seth Curry and the high-flying Dwight Powell are helping Doncic shred opposing defenses to the tune of 116.5 points per 100 possessions, but more star power would certainly be welcome.

Love is on the wrong side of 30 for what will be Doncic’s prime (he’s still somehow only 20), but there’s no question he’d make the Mavs scary in the interim. Shift Porzingis over to the position he’s meant to play at the 5, add another stretch-4 to the rotation in Love, and let Doncic cook? That offense could enter “most high-powered of all time” territory.

To get the job done, shipping off THJ, Courtney Lee‘s expiring deal and a protected first-round pick would probably be enough.

Unfortunately, this might not be enticing enough for Cleveland. The Mavs owe the New York Knicks first-round picks in 2021 and 2023 thanks to the Porzingis deal, which means the earliest they could offer another first-rounder is 2025.

There’s nothing wrong with stockpiling picks, but that’s an awfully long time to wait for the payoff. Shedding Love’s salary is a victory in and of itself, but even with Lee’s expiring deal taken into account, the Cavs already have a rotation full of inefficient backcourt shooters. Adding THJ, on top of Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Darius Garland, Kevin Porter Jr. and Brandon Knight would be overkill.

On Dallas’ side, there’s also the fact that Porzingis is struggling posting up guards right now. Is he really ready to make that long-awaited transition to the 5 full-time?