A potential trade scenario between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder involves Kevin Love and Victor Oladipo. The Cavs is reportedly willing to let go of their starting power forward to acquire combo guard Oladipo.
According to FanSided's Hoops Habit, the Cavaliers would greatly benefit from this deal, especially in the defensive. The first three seasons of Oladipo's career in the NBA are with the Orlando Magic and last season, he averaged 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, Morning News USA noted.
Oladipo's defensive skills would improve the Cavs' defense, specifically in the backcourt. With Oladipo serving as an effective guard, the pressure on LeBron James would be eased a little. With Oladipo in the team, James, Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, and JR Smith could be one of the best defensive and offensive rosters in the NBA's upcoming season.
Love going to the Thunder will also help ease the Cavs' financial problems. The team is currently embroiled in a contract standoff with Smith and Cavs cannot afford to lose him now that they should fight harder to defend their championship title.
The 31-year-old talent averaged 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game last season. However, if Cavs would be successful in re-signing Smith, there is a huge chance that they wouldn't push through with the Oladipo deal anymore.
James has been pushing Cavs to re-sign Smith, saying that the latter deserves it after playing a huge part in the team's big win last season, NBA's official website reported. James said that the team misses Smith and added that he's "a big piece" of the Cavaliers.
"Negotiations are always two-sides, but J.R. did his part," James continued. "He showed up every day. ... Became a two-way player, a model citizen in Cleveland and he's a fan favorite, obviously we all know that."
In addition, there are rumors that Love isn't happy with the Cavaliers anymore and this could negatively affect the team's chemistry. Without Love, the Cavs would have to use Channing Frye to fill the power forward position he would leave behind.
This, however, could be an issue. Frye's gameplay is solid in recent years, but he doesn't possess Love's talent and productivity in the court.
Should the Cavs trade Love for Oladipo? Should they be aggressive in re-signing Smith instead? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below and be sure to follow Parent Herald for the latest NBA news and trade rumors.
