Bleacher Report trade proposal would bring Kevin Love to Portland

As the Feb 7 trade deadline approaches, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report offered several potential trades that could have big impacts on the league including one that would bring Kevin Love to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The proposal involves the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love and David Nwaba in a trade for Portland’s Evan Turner, Anfernee Simons and Caleb Swanigan. Such a move would bolster the Blazers offense with a proven shooter who has extensive playoff experience.

[Love’s] outlet passes can fuel Portland’s transition game, his post-ups would add another bail-out option in the half court and his range would widen attack lanes for Lillard and McCollum to exploit. Love has also been an All-Star as a first option, a Finals participant as a No. 2 and a champion as a third wheel, so he’d fit wherever head coach Terry Stotts placed him on the pecking order.

David Nwaba is a long and athletic player who has had limited success with three teams in three seasons. The Blazers may unlock more of his potential than the Lakers, the Bulls, or the LeBron-less Cavaliers ever could.

On the other side of the trade, the advantage to the Cavaliers would be two young players for a rebuilding team and a favorable contract. Kevin Love is owed $120 million over the next five years while Evan Turner is past the mid-point of his 4-year $70 million contract.

An eleven year veteran, Love has only played 4 games this year after suffering a toe injury early in the season. His career averages are 18.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

In his ninth season, Evan Turner has missed one game this year. He is averaging 8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4 assists per game.

What do you think, should the Trail Blazers consider such a trade? Let us know in the comments below.

Tara | @tcbbiggs