The Phoenix Suns may be looking to make a trade to help solidify their playoffs hopes, however, unless they can get him for cheap, they may want to pass on Kevin Love.
When Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Cleveland Cavaliers are open to trade offers for Kevin Love, it was only natural to explore the possibility of what the Phoenix Suns could offer them to acquire the 5-time All Star.
When coming up with possible trades, the core component in each of them was Tyler Johnson. The reason: the Suns need to get rid of his rotten contract.
Tyler Johnson will make over $19 million dollars this season, and the lefty with questionable facial hair is, statistically, having the worst season of his professional career outside of his rookie year, and has found himself out of Monty Williams‘ rotation.
Any team, whether that be the Cleveland Cavaliers or another potential Phoenix Suns trade partner, is only going to accept a trade involving Tyler Johnson to make the salaries work out.
They might look at trying to keep him on the cheap next season when he becomes a free agent, but in reality, no one is trading for Johnson because they think he is worth his price.
The reason this is important is because it explains my mindset when developing those trade offers. Essentially, if the Suns can get Kevin Love on the cheap while also ditching a putrid contract then go for it. Else, let someone else give up something super valuable for him.
Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great player and has had a tremendous career and most certainly has some gas left in the tank. However he is not worth giving up a player like Kelly Oubre Jr. who is the life blood of this Phoenix Suns team’s resurgence.
This isn’t the Kevin Love lottery that was the Cavaliers won in 2014, when they signed the then superstar. This is a much different Kevin Love.
So here are four reasons why, unless the Suns can get him at a bargain, they should not pursue Kevin Love.