The Cleveland Cavaliers open the season as the defending champions after defeating the Golden State Warriors. But even with a stellar and record breaking championship, rumors of possible trade especially on their star forward, Kevin Love continues.
The NBA regular season starts in Oct. 25 and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the return of Cleveland Cavaliers as the defending champion. But amidst the celebration and the championship ring, the Cavs did experience a whirlwind regular season. They went through some tough series of losses that news of Love is rumored to be shopped again for trade, according to Sports Illustrated.
Kevin Love's season in Cleveland Cavaliers has seen its ups and downs. Although averaging 16 points and 9.9 rebounds a game, the rumored constrained relationship with the organization particularly Lebron James did not easily die down. Love riding the bench in many fourth quarters seemed to further diminish his value for the team.
But numbers tell a different story and his role in the team particularly in the defensive end was put on spotlight last season. His defense against Stephen Curry has been phenomenal in the finals that he has practically put a plug on the Warriors' final offensive run. This year, he is expected to provide the same numbers and improve in both ends of the court especially on a healthy body.
Love has heard all about the rumors even with the championship ring and the star forward is ignoring all the rumors. According to CBS Sports, he knows that the rumors are there and he really doesn't care anymore since he's planning to stay in Cleveland for a very long time.
The rumors of a possible blockbuster trade don't easily die down especially when the Warriors further improved their roster with the addition of Kevin Durant. Cavs might consider making the same move to upgrade their depth and they could use Love to get the people they wanted.
Cavs return to regular NBA action in Oct. 25 to face the recently beefed up roster of the New York Knicks. Lebron, Love and Kyrie will have their hands full as they face Carmelo Anthony and their recent acquisition, former MVP Derrick Rose.