Cavaliers Rumors: Trade Buzz Surrounding Kevin Love and More
The 2016 NBA trade deadline is less than 48 hours away, and the Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to make a move to bolster their roster for another deep playoff run.
Lots of wild trade scenarios have been thrown out there in recent weeks, many involving Kevin Love, but there have been surprisingly few serious rumors connecting the Cavs to any major trade targets in recent days.
As we await Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, let's take a look at the latest Cavaliers rumors as well as some reasons why the deadline may come and go without general manager David Griffin making a deal.
Is Kevin Love Available?
On Monday, ESPN.com's Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst acknowledged that the Cavaliers are willing to listen to offers for Love. However, they made it clear the Cavs "covet a star in return."
Feel free to let your imagination run wild, but based on that stance, it certainly sounds unlikely that Griffin will be blown away with an offer before the deadline.
Zach Lowe of ESPN.com also noted the unlikelihood of Love getting moved before the deadline and suggested the Cavs "might draw juicier offers in June" if they wait until the offseason to seriously shop Love.
Why a Trade Is Difficult
One of the issues the Cavs are facing at the deadline is the fact that they don't own a 2016 first-round draft pick.
In July 2014, the Cavs sent their 2016 first-round selection to the Boston Celtics (who later sent it to the Phoenix Suns) in the trade that allowed them to dump the contract of Jarrett Jack.
Further complicating things for Cleveland is the Stepien Rule, which prohibits a team from trading future first-round picks in consecutive years. Since the Cavaliers have already traded their 2016 first-round pick, they can't trade their 2017 first-round selection.
If There's No Trade, What's Next?
Lowe also pointed out that the Cavs have an open spot on the roster, which they could be saving to sign a player who gets bought out after the trade deadline passes.
One possible target in that scenario is Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson.
At this point, however, Johnson's buyout appears to be pure speculation. On Tuesday, Stein reported that the Nets had yet to even discuss a buyout with Johnson:
"Perhaps that position changes once the deadline passes if Joe Johnson, as expected, remains in Brooklyn. But still no push for a buyout yet.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 16, 2016"
Even if Johnson were bought out, the Cavaliers would likely have competition for his services. Ethan J. Skolnick of the Miami Herald suggested that the Heat would also be contenders for the Nets forward.
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