NBA trade deadline: Carmelo Anthony trade to Cavaliers still possible to happen after Kevin Love injury

The NBA trade reports continue to get stronger as the Feb. 23 trade deadline draws closer each day. There have already been several big trades that have taken place between some big contenders. One blockbuster trade though still remains, and that is the Carmelo Anthony for Kevin Love swap between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavs have to be very concerned with their standing in the Eastern Conference as the Toronto Raptors just became a lot stronger after a recent trade. Toronto acquired big man Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic in exchange for Terrence Ross to finally have a reliable starting power forward. The Cavs, on the other hand, recently lost Kevin Love for six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove loose body from his left knee.

The Cavaliers sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 37-16 record, but the loss of Love may result in a slide in the standings before the end of the regular season. This may prompt Cleveland to look for relief and it may come with the much publicised Melo for Kevin Love trade scenario.

Despite Love being on the shelf with a knee injury, Chris Broussard of Fox Sports points out that the blockbuster trade could still happen. Talking about the possibility of the trade, Broussard said that the Kevin Love injury “might make me think about it if I’m the Cavs in general."

Broussard further said that “It’s just a lot of upheaval. They would have to play a different style if they bring in Carmelo Anthony. But can you envision them against Golden State? Kyrie, LeBron, J.R. Smith, Carmelo Anthony and Tristan Thompson? I mean, now Durant or Draymond has to guard Melo and LeBron.”

It remains to be seen if the Cavs will have enough firepower to withstand Kevin Love’s absence and still remain on top of the East. If the team struggles mightily over the next few games, expect the Carmelo Anthony trade to Cleveland rumours to become even stronger. Be sure to check back here soon for more NBA trade rumours and other news about the world of basketball.