Kevin Love would prefer a trade from the Cavaliers, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com writes, adding that the team has “periodically explored” deals with rival clubs.
Cleveland hasn’t been able to find an offer that they find acceptable, however. Love is still owed $60 million over the next two seasons and it’s fair to wonder what kind of money the club would have to take back in order to move him on that contract.
Love isn’t interested in negotiating a buyout, something that appears to be best for all parties if he cares about playing status this upcoming season.
Cleveland added Evan Mobley in the draft and Lauri Markkanen via sign-and-trade, crowding the frontcourt. There were reports earlier in the summer that the club would reduce Love’s role and now, even without Larry Nance Jr. in the picture, minutes will be at a premium this season.
Thaddeus Young Drawing Trade Interest
Forward Thaddeus Young is drawing trade interest around the league from contenders, including the Suns, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Young, who was traded to the Spurs in the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade, is set to make $14.19 million in the final season of his contract this year.
The situation is worth keeping an eye on from the scope of the Cavs and Love. If Young, who is making less than half of Love’s salary, is moved then other teams that missed out on the former Sixer could theoretically pivot to Love as a target, giving the two players have some similarities in playing styles.
It’s not clear what the Spurs’ plans are for Young. Oddsmakers have San Antonio pegged as a bottom-five team in terms of 2021-22 win totals and if they end up along those projections, then keeping Young, who recently turned 33, doesn’t make much sense.
