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NBA Trade Rumors: 3 blockbuster trades that should happen, but won’t

By Ben Stern

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to a second half three point basket while playing the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on December 22, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 104-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to a second half three point basket while playing the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on December 22, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 104-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 08: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons talks to Avery Bradley #22 while playing the Golden State Warriors at Little Caesars Arena on December 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 08: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons talks to Avery Bradley #22 while playing the Golden State Warriors at Little Caesars Arena on December 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Cavs get creative

Cavs receive: SG Avery Bradley, SF Tobias Harris, PF Anthony Tolliver

Pistons receive: SG Iman Shumpert, PF Kevin Love, Cavs’ 2019 first round pick (Top 5 protected, unprotected in 2020 if it falls within top 5)

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Why the trade should happen:

The LeBron James led Cavs are sputtering and have been getting blown out by opponents all month. If they continue on this path, they would not only lose in the finals, but likely wouldn’t even get out of the east. While these struggles seem like a mid season tradition for the Cavs, their defensive efforts this season have reached an all time low.

They are currently a staggering last in the league in defensive rating, and their interior defense is laughable. They are 27th in both blocks per game and defensive rebounding percentage, and are sitting 23rd in opponents points in the paint. These struggles can be attributed to not only a lack of effort, but to their personnel. The Cavs starting lineup includes two defensive liabilities, that not even LeBron James’s brilliant chase down blocks can make up for.

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While Isaiah Thomas and Kevin Love are elite offensive weapons, they fail to contribute at all on the defensive end. The offensive juggernaut that is the warriors, the Cavs inevitable finals opponent, attacks these two weak links time and time again through impeccable ball movement and expertly executed pick and rolls. In order to compete defensively, the Cavs need to trade one of their two offensive stars, and given that the Cavs don’t even know what they have with Thomas yet, Love becomes the obvious candidate.

Reports have surfaced that in the Cavs latest players only meeting, Kevin Love was singled out, as teammates are questioning his determination and effort. Despite boasting all star level stats, Love has been the odd man out ever since he joined the Cavs. While most of the criticism is unfair, trading Love would be the right move. In order to return to eastern conference dominance and challenge the warriors, the Cavs need to get younger and more athletic. That’s why trading for Harris and Bradley makes perfect sense for the Cavs.
Bradley is one of the league’s premier perimeter defender, and has the ability to guard both backcourt positions play as well as the rare ability to switch onto forwards. More importantly, Bradley has proven his ability to guard opposing back courts alongside Isaiah Thomas. Tobias Harris also has the ability to defend multiple positions at a high level, and his offensive game has continued to develop to near all star level. Injecting both of them into the starting lineup would exponentially improve their defense without sacrificing much on the offensive end.

While the Pistons are giving up a lot in this deal, it’s not as much as it seems, because Bradley is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and is likely to command a near max contract. A front court of Love and Drummond would be nothing short of completely dominant, as they would be a nightmare to keep off the boards. The Cavs 2019 first round pick could end up being very valuable if a certain somebody decides to leave for greener pastures this summer….again.

Must Read: NBA Trade Rumors: 5 bold trades that could help fix the Cleveland Cavaliers

Why the trade won’t happen:

Ever since joining the Cavs, Love’s trade value has taken a big hit. A package centered around him and a first round pick will likely not be tempting enough for the Pistons to trade Harris. Harris is only 25 years old and is on a steep upwards trend.

Harris will certainly be a superior player to Love very soon, if he isn’t already. Every season it seems Love finds himself on the trading block, but a trade never materializes. There is no reason to think this season will be any different.

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