NBA trade news: Cavs may trade Kevin Love in three-way deal with Celtics and Pelicans

The Cleveland Cavaliers could strike a blockbuster deal at the Feb. 18 deadline in a potential three-way transaction with the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics.

The Cavs are reportedly heavily interested in acquiring Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson, but due to the team’s financial situation, Cleveland may have to let go of their own starting forward Kevin Love. According to Sherrod Blakely of Comcast Sportsnet New England, the Cavs’ interest in Anderson may lead Love to the Boston Celtics, who are rumoured to be keen on acquiring the All-Star forward.

“The particulars of the deal are still in the discussion phase, but the end result if it comes to pass would send Love to Boston, according to a league source,” Blakely noted. “New Orleans would make for an ideal partner considering Anderson becomes a free agent this summer and the Pelicans aren't expected to pay Anderson the kind of money his status on the free agent market would warrant.”

According to Blakely, the deal is still at a “very fragile” stage, but the potential blockbuster deal provides the three teams involved to finally acquire their trade targets. Frank Isola of the New York Daily News also reported in his tweet that the Cavs are into a three-team mega deal centred at Love.

Cleveland remains very active. Cavs in talks with Pelicans about Ryan Anderson. A 3-team deal that includes Kevin Love still in play.

— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) February 17, 2016

A potential package that works in ESPN’s trade machine is Love heading to Boston; Anderson and Omer Asik to Cleveland; and David Lee and Timofey Mozgov to the Pelicans. This trade scenario makes sense to all the teams involved especially the Pelicans, who are having a hard time getting “significant value” in a trade for Anderson, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

The Pelicans may be too far from getting back into the playoff picture, which makes a quick rebuild in the free agency an ideal option for the franchise. By taking in Lee and Mozgov, the Pels will have two expiring contracts, giving them enough cap flexibility in the summer.

As for The Celtics, the team has been pursuing the addition of a superstar to their core and they believe Love is the one who fits into their mold. But according to ESPN NBA analyst Jackie McMullan, Love to the Celtics would not happen, simply because the Cavs could elect to maintain their core roster and wait for an injury to strike among top contenders.

“I would be thrilled if the Celtics could bring Kevin Love here, I just don’t think it’s going to happen,” McMullan said, reports WEEI. “If I am Cleveland, I’m the best team in the East and we all know every team — Golden State, San Antonio, they are one injury away from being vulnerable, I’m standing pat for the most part.”

Meanwhile, the Cavs would get a stretch-four in Anderson, who could play the same role as Love has in Cleveland albeit on a cheaper price. Anderson is also set to become a free agent, which bodes well for the Cavs’ attempts to decrease luxury taxes.

With the trade frenzy in full effect at the deadline, basketball fans could expect deals like this to happen.