The potential three-way trade between the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers that would land Kevin Love in Denver is reportedly still alive. According to Zach Lowe of ESPN.com, the trade talks could be revived. The trade would also send Indiana’s Paul George to Cleveland.
Lowe expects that the Pacers would demand Gary Harris or two future first-round picks from the Nuggets in addition to whatever package has already been discussed. At the time of the initial trade talks, Wilson Chandler, Emmanuel Mudiay and Kenneth Faried were available.
For Denver, the decision to part with a budding young player in Harris and picks for Love’s experience is far from easy. On one hand, Love fills a definite need for the Nuggets at the power forward position. The scoring capability of Love and Nikola Jokic in the front court would be difficult for any team to deal with. Love is also under two years of team control with a player option for the third year. Meanwhile, Harris is available for a contract extension now that is expected to land him around $20 million per year.
However, Harris’ potential and career trajectory suggest that he could be well worth that money. Harris posted career highs in nearly every statistical category last year and solidified himself as a legitimate 3-point threat. Defensively, Harris does much more for the Nuggets than Love at volatile position in the NBA.
On the eve of free agency, the potential blockbuster deal figures to be one of the most talked-about moves of the offseason.