Kevin Love has reiterated several times that he plans on remaining a Cleveland Cavalier, season-long rumors of discontent and a strained relationship with LeBron James have fueled speculation to the contrary. Love has the option to get out of his current contract, and with the salary cap expected to jump, both he and James are expected to opt out of their deals regardless so they can cash in.
If Love were to leave the Cavaliers, these three teams fit both on the court and off for him.
Phoenix Suns
Surprised? Kevin Love is a very talented player, but he doesn’t necessarily fit everywhere. In Minnesota he thrived personally as the focal point of the offense, whereas in Cleveland he was unable to put his stamp on most games because he was relegated to standing in the corner awaiting 3-point looks.
Love has much more to offer than that offensively, but he must also be masked defensively. The Los Angeles Lakers fit the Love narrative in terms of storyline (return to L.A.!) and glamor; but how will the Lakers protect the basket with Love and Julius Randle as primary frontcourt options?
Alex Len can protect the rim in Phoenix, and Love would be lethal in pick-and-pop situations with Eric Bledsoe. Phoenix needs a star, and Love can be that guy.
Boston Celtics
Love is a perfect fit for Brad Stevens’ Boston Celtics, who love to launch 3-pointers but don’t have any players that are particularly good at it. Love is a quality 3-point shooter, but also a player they can run their offense through in the post. Halfcourt sets would become much easier with a dominant offensive player, and signing him would shift Kelly Olynyk to a reserve role, deepening their bench.
Boston would instantly become one of the East’s deepest teams, and have a bona fide star in their midst. Plus, Love would be the focal point and be able to prove to Cleveland that he was marginalized.
New York Knicks
Forget about the Triangle offense—the Knicks need players. The Knicks have just six players under contract for next season, and coming off arguably the worst year in franchise history, fans will be hankering for a pallet cleanser in the form of an All-Star.
Love is an undeniable offensive talent, and paired with Carmelo Anthony they might be a devastating combination. The Knicks can address defense by taking either smothering Duke guard Justise Winslow or shot-blocking center Willie Cauley-Stein with the No. 4 pick in the draft, and pick and choose appropriate role players as the offseason progresses.
Anthony and Love makes for a fine core, however, and one that promises the postseason.
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