The Boston Celtics didn’t make any major moves at the NBA’s trade deadline last month, but reports have surfaced in the weeks afterward that they did at least try.
Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler reportedly was a target, and rumors of a potential run at Philadelphia 76ers rookie center Jahlil Okafor also came out.
The Celtics reportedly were in on another frontcourt player, too.
That player was Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love, whom Boston has been linked to in trade rumors for more than a year. According to ESPN.com’s Zach Lowe, the C’s even made an offer for the former All-Star.
“If (the Cavs) lose again, I’d bet big on Love being elsewhere — a split that might end up the best thing for everyone,” Lowe recently wrote.
“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. (Andrew) Wiggins has more trade value than Love now, but that deal was the right move at the time.”
This hardly is a surprise. Love would be a great fit on a Celtics roster that lacks an elite big man. Love is a great rebounder, can stretch the floor with good outside shooting and is capable of tallying around 20 points per game as a primary scorer. His injury history is a bit of a concern, but he’s the type of player the Celtics must acquire to become a legitimate threat in the East.
Maybe the Celtics will revisit this situation when the 2016 NBA Draft approaches. After all, the Celtics could have as many as three first-round picks in June.
Thumbnail photo via David Richard/USA TODAY Sports Images
