The Boston Celtics are improving and looking more and more like dark horses in the Eastern Conference, but that is not stopping the team from getting linked to trade deals as the deadline approaches. The Celtics are loaded with draft picks making them a prime target for marquee deals in the middle of the season. So would it be worth it for the Celtics to consider making a move for Kevin Love?
With the Cleveland Cavaliers surrounded by drama, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports that a trade of Kevin Love is not out of the question. The forward is not playing badly, he is just struggling to find his niche in Cleveland and because of that he is the centerpiece of trade talk with the team. Not many teams have what it takes to acquire a high-priced player like Love. However, the Celtics are in the best position to put together a deal, but should they?
This is not the first time Love and the Celtics have been linked. Numerous sources reported the Celtics had a plan to acquire the forward in free agency, but Love opted to re-sign with Cleveland instead. Since the forward is clearly not a fit in Cleveland despite still averaging double-doubles every game, the Celtics could become an option once again and they should consider the deal. Boston is rising in the East. The only thing they really need is a go-to scorer when things get down to the wire. Isaiah Thomas is not enough. Love could be. That is what he did best in Minnesota when he averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. His diversity would thrive under head coach Brad Stevens.
The question is what could the Celtics give up for Love? The team is loaded with draft picks and according to the Boston Herald, they would be willing to hand over David Lee or Tyler Zeller in a deal. Lee is struggling having been a DNP for eight games and he is unhappy in Boston. Zeller has an expiring contract to his name. Cleveland does not necessarily have a need for either player so this trade could be determined by just how desperate the Cavaliers are to deal away Love.
The Celtics are getting linked to a number of trades right now as the deadline gets closer. Most of the talk surrounds Lee who could be a nice piece for a contending team. According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, Lee could be a target for the Toronto Raptors. The issue is that the only player the Raptors have to really give up for Lee is DeMar DeRozan. As the Raptors continue to contend in the East, they cannot afford to trade away DeRozan regardless of his expiring contract. Do not forget the Celtics will continue to get linked to a trade of DeMarcus Cousins regardless of what the Sacramento Kings say about his status.
The Celtics are winning with the roster they have, but they cannot get far in the playoffs with the roster they have. The team is certainly one to pay attention to as they keep getting better, but they might not be ready to contend in a seven-game series with teams like the Chicago Bulls or the Raptors even. Trading for someone like Love or DeRozan would mean the Celtics could continue playing well while setting themselves up for the future.