Cleveland Cavaliers: Potentially The Bigger And Better 3?

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credit: Getty Images

As the sports world waited, all sights were set on LeBron James, who would decide if he were to re-sign with the Miami Heat or return to Cleveland, where he devastated fans in the 2010 offseason.

On July 11, he made the announcement: that he would return and try to bring a championship to the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise, pairing up with point guard Kyrie Irving. Within hours, one of the biggest names on the trade market, Kevin Love, was asked about the possibility of being traded to the Cavaliers. He responded with the obvious answer, that he was intrigued and would even sign a long-term deal with the team.

Love has not been in the playoffs in his six-year career and it is almost certain he would leave Minnesota in the 2015 offseason – where he will be a free agent if he decides to opt out.

The Cavaliers already made cap-space in case they added James, opening up a spot for Love to join the team. In a three team-trade in which the team sent Jarrett Jack and Sergey Karasev to the Brooklyn Nets and Tyler Zeller and a 2016 first round pick to the Boston Celtics (BKN also sent Marcus Thornton), the Cavaliers were able to free up $21.7 million dollars in cap-space.

With the extra money, the Cavaliers moved quickly and reached out to the Timberwolves asking about a deal for their star. The first offer – where Dion Waiters, Anthony Bennett, and a first-round pick would be traded for Love – was rejected by the Minnesota front office.

Minnesota then countered, saying that the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Andrew Wiggins, must be involved to attain Love. If the Cavaliers change their minds and decide to do the deal, or add a third party team into the trade, a new, championship-esque team would be the outcome.

The possibility of Love joining James and Irving in Cleveland would bring a new meaning to “The Big Three.”

There have been many big threes in NBA history. Ranging from the 1991-92 Chicago Bulls consisting of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Horace Grant to the most recent Miami Heat including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, most big threes dominated and brought at least one championship to their team.

The Cavaliers have a true point guard who can facilitate the ball. With Irving having a little more to learn, nothing is better than having one of the best basketball players on the team. James can help shape Irving to the All-Star he is becoming. A threat from the outside and driving capabilities, Irving could be one of the premier point guards in the game – if he is not already.

Alongside Irving is obviously the biggest name, ‘King’ James. The player who can pass, shoot, rebound, and play excellent defense, James is a special player and already makes any team he is on a championship contender.

Look at the 2009-10 Cavaliers where James led the team to a first place finish in the East. No Cavalier other than James (2258) and Mo Williams (1092) scored over 1,000 points. The team was centered around James (with Shaquille O’Neal, Antwan Jamison, and Williams playing as role players).

With Love joining Cleveland, he will finally have another All-Star – two actually – playing by his side. He will no longer be double-teamed or focused on the most letting him grow (the same reason why Irving will grow) to his highest potential.

A big man who can shoot threes and rebound pairing up with a point guard who can pass and drive as well as a small forward who is an all-around premier player; nothing screams ‘championship’ like Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, and the rest of the 2014-15 Cleveland Cavaliers.