Kevin Love Trade Rumors: Cavs' Value for Veteran PF Revealed

Cleveland Cavaliers veteran Kevin Love has been the subject of trade rumors for the past couple of years, but the Cavs reportedly aren't eager to move him unless the right deal comes along.

According to Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor, the Cavaliers are unwilling to part with Love in a salary-dump trade and would only deal him for "a combination of picks and players."

Love is under contract for three more seasons after the 2019-20 campaign at an average annual salary of about $30 million.

Per Fedor, the Cavaliers view Love as a "valuable piece" who "threads the needle between their present and future."

The 31-year-old Love arrived in Cleveland via a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014 after LeBron James returned to the Cavs in free agency. Alongside James, Love helped lead the Cavaliers to four consecutive NBA Finals, including the first championship in franchise history in 2016.

While the five-time All-Star's numbers have paled in comparison to what he did as a one-man show in Minnesota, he has still been a highly productive player in Cleveland.

During his six seasons with the Cavs, Love has averaged 17.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, getting named to two All-Star teams.

Kevin Love Goes Off for 27 Points

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In the wake of LeBron and Kyrie Irving departing Cleveland in recent years, Love is one of the only remnants from the Cavs' championship team along with center Tristan Thompson and guard Matthew Dellavedova. 

The Cavaliers are largely focused on a youth movement led by guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, but it is important to have experienced veterans on the team who can help mentor and mold them.

Plus, Love is still a productive player who can help build a winning culture, as he averaged 17.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game before the 2019-20 season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Fedor noted that Love has wanted a trade since December, but given his contract and the Cavs' reported asking price, moving him may not be easy.

The Cavaliers are just 19-46 this season and on the verge of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year, but if they can add more talent and develop the rising stars they already have, perhaps Love could play a role in them becoming playoff contenders again in the near future.