NBA Rumors: Celtics Gave Cavaliers ‘Low-Ball’ Offer In Trade Talks For Kevin Love

USA Today

The Boston Celtics were one of the most aggressive teams in the league heading toward the NBA trade deadline in February. Armed with multiple drafts picks and some promising young players, Boston pursued some big-name players via trade, including Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics and Cavaliers were rumored to have engaged in trade talks with Love potentially heading to Boston in a proposed deal. The trade never came to fruition and there may have been a good reason for that, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe:

If they lose again, I’d bet big on Love being elsewhere — a split that might end up the best thing for everyone. Cleveland and Boston had trade talks for Love at the deadline, though they died with Boston offering a low-ball package the Cavs wouldn’t consider, according to several league sources. Even if Boston’s interest has faded, someone will call Cleveland about Love around the draft. Wiggins has more trade value than Love now, but that deal was the right move at the time.

Depending on how the season ends for the Cavaliers, it’ll be interesting to see what the team does over the summer to improve the roster. Love or Kyrie Irving or possibly both players could be on the trading block this summer.

The Celtics could try to reignite trade talks for Love if it becomes clear the Cavaliers are ready to move on. Boston will also attempt to make a splash in NBA free agency this summer with the team determined to lure in a few of the best players available on the open market.

Veteran forward Al Horford has been mentioned as a potential target for the Celtics in free agency. Horford is hoping to make the move to a bigger market with Boston being a possible destination. Superstar Kevin Durant will also be on Boston’s wish list, but it seems doubtful the Celtics can compete with the Oklahoma City Thunder or Golden State Warriors.