A potential blockbuster trade involving Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love is reportedly unlikely to happen, according to The New York Time’s Marc Stein.
While the Los Angeles Clippers kicked the tires on a trade for Love, Cavaliers entered Tuesday without any talks coming to fruition regarding Love, per Stein.
The 31-year-old remains a talented player that multiple contenders would love to add, but he is owed $91.5 million over the next three seasons. He is averaging 17.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game this season and the front office is trying to accommodate his desires for a trade.
However, there are significant issues that will likely prevent a trade out of Cleveland. Love’s contract and history of injuries make him more of a burden for the team acquiring him, which reduces what the Cavaliers could receive in a trade.
As a result, the Cavaliers will likely have to wait until the offseason before a trade for the All-Star forward becomes realistic. Even in that scenario, the team would likely need to be willing to absorb a financial hit by eating a portion of Love’s contract.
Love certainly has the talent to take a playoff contender to the next level, but it appears increasingly likely that he will remain with the Cavaliers this season. For contenders, that means exploring many of the other options available before Thursday’s deadline.