The trade that sent guard Kyrie Irving from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Boston Celtics in exchange for guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first round pick sent shockwaves through the NBA universe. NBA players expressed their shock and fans were in disbelief. Even the 2K video game franchise

had to make a major emergency adjustment and change the graphics so Kyrie would appear in a Celtics jersey on the NBA 2K18 cover.

It’s a move that will certainly define the 2017 off-season and something generations will discuss for decades as fans and pundits of the league witness the fallout from the transaction. And while both teams involved could definitely be done making major moves for the off-season after such a monumental one, neither team should stop there. Especially the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While they certainly addressed the defensive issues they had last season by acquiring Jae Crowder, they still have an elephant in the room that they need to address and he goes by the name of Kevin Love.

Even though Love has proven to be one of the premier players of the league, his stock within NBA circles has dropped dramatically since being traded to the Cavaliers in 2014. He’s no longer a viewed as a top 10 player in the league and becomes a liability when the Cavaliers face the Warriors, a rivalry that has formed due to the two teams competing in three straight NBA Finals.  

Although there have been reports that the Cavaliers aren’t currently seeking a trade for Love, they need to keep their options open especially as it pertains to him. In what could be LeBron James’ final season as a Cavalier, they need to set themselves up in the best way possible so they can compete at the highest level possible in the present, but it also protect their future if James chooses to take his talents elsewhere.

Likely for the Cavaliers, there’s another trade out there that would allow them do both. A trade that would send Love, Iman Shumpert, and Jae Crowder to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins and Cole Aldrich would solve issues for both teams.

For the Cavaliers, they would have a young stud on their roster in Wiggins that can contribute at a high level now, but whose best days are still several years away and could be the face of the franchise if LeBron chooses to leave. Aldrich would provide more depth for the Cavs at the center position behind Tristan Thompson.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have yet to agree with Wiggins on an extension. After being one of their best players for the past three seasons, it’s hard to see why. Questions about his commitment to the defensive side of the ball may make the Wolves front office wonder if he’s worth the five year/$146 million contract that would be on the table. The Wolves could sign him to the contract, but as a sign-and-trade to bring Love back in town and get the wing depth they desperately need in Shumpert and Crowder.