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Now a free agent, Kevin Love will certainly not be joining the Philadelphia 76ers, but that does not mean he still could not have an impact on their future.
Wednesday afternoon, news broke that 26-year old forward Kevin Love will be opting out of his current contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers in preparation of becoming a free agent come July 1. This move could certainly just be a way for Love to get more money from his current team, the Cavaliers, but it could also be a way for him to get out of a situation that was not perfectly conducive. As a free agent, Love will receive contract offers from a number of teams, including his “hometown” Los Angeles Lakers. Should Love decide to relocate to the city of angels, his impact would not only be felt in Los Angeles, but it could also be felt in Philadelphia.
As a part of a three-team trade that was headlined by them trading point guard Michael Carter-Williams to the Milwaukee Bucks, the 76ers received a future first-round pick from the Phoenix Suns. This pick was originally acquired by the Suns when they sent Steve Nash to the Lakers back in 2012. Top-5 protected in 2015, this pick did not convey to the 76ers this year – the Lakers will select No. 2. However, in the middle of a multi-year rebuilding plan, the 76ers still valued this pick highly as it is only top-3 protected in 2016 and 2017 and unprotected in 2018.
Arguably one of their biggest assets going forward, this pick from the Lakers has the potential to turn into a big payoff for the 76ers. This could all change however, should Love decide to move west next season.
If Love does in fact join the Lakers, his presence alone will help elevate the team from the basement of the NBA. In all likelihood though, he will not be the only new addition for the Lakers next season. Aside from Love, the Lakers will have the potential to add another talented free agent this summer and of course, they currently possess the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft.
With all of their possible new additions, the Lakers could easily ascend to at least a borderline playoff team in the Western Conference, if not better. If this does indeed happen, the pick that the 76ers once viewed as extremely valuable could no longer be viewed in such a great light. As a result, the 76ers could go from possibly adding a top flight talent in a future draft to adding just a middle of the road prospect that will likely only turn out to be potential role player.
Seeing this future pick drop in value is not the only way that Love possibly moving to Los Angeles could impact the future of the 76ers. In anticipation of this possible free agent move, the 76ers and general manager Sam Hinkie could look to trade away this pick during the 2015 NBA Draft in an attempt to try and maximize its value.
Right now nothing is set in stone in regards to where Love will be playing basketball next season. In fact, he could decide to not alter the landscape of the NBA and return to Cleveland. While this is a distinct possibility, it has to be noted that Love could leave Cleveland just as easily as he could return there. And if he does, Los Angeles is sure to be one of his top choices.
By leaving Cleveland for Los Angeles, Love would not only change the future of his new franchise, but he would also change the future of a franchise on the opposite side of the country. If this ends up being the result, one thing is certain – the 76ers’ already controversial rebuilding plan will come under even more fire than it already is.
Greg Sacidor is a Feature Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Greg_Sacidor or add him to your network on Google.
