Could Cleveland be missing its chance to end five decades of misery?
Even after reacquiring the best player in the world — LeBron James — the Cavaliers appear unwilling to do what it takes to partner him with another one of the league’s best, with new coach David Blatt saying No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins will not be traded. Without Wiggins involved in a trade, Cleveland’s hopes of landing Minnesota’s Kevin Love look slim, as the Timberwolves reportedly have demanded the 19-year-old be included in any deal for Love, who will be a free agent after next season.
“There’s no reason or cause for worry on his part because Andrew’s not going anywhere, as far as I know and as far as the club has expressed,” Blatt said Saturday following the Cavaliers’ Summer League practice.
“I would think for a guy like Andrew, to have the opportunity to play with arguably one of the best players of all time, and to learn from him and to be tutored by him and to play alongside him — which he will — I gotta think that’s a tremendous boost to his confidence and his comfort level and probably his motivation.”
Wiggins has showcased his overwhelming talent early in the Las Vegas Summer League, unleashing incredibly athletic dunks and promising defense, but Love, only 25, is coming off a historic season in which he averaged 26.1 points (fourth in the league), 12.5 rebounds (third), 4.4 assists and made 190 3-pointers (tied for ninth).
Wiggins, the No. 1 pick out of Kansas, looks like a future All-Star, while Love has already made three appearances and likely will make several more.
Wiggins’ potential isn’t a promise. James, 29, is in his prime, but only has so many years left where his presence alone makes his team a title favorite. In this year’s Finals loss to the Spurs, the four-time MVP showed how much he needed help around him. And even though James is expected to remain with Cleveland long-term, he is currently signed for just two seasons.
The city has gone 50 years without a title. The window could grow wider than it’s ever been, but that opportunity will only remain so long. Either a third team will need to be included in a trade to bring Love to Ohio or the Cavaliers will be forced to relent on their refusal to include Wiggins.
If Cleveland doesn’t make a move, the Cavaliers will be banking on the teenager to fulfill his potential faster than anyone would’ve thought on draft night.