There would not have been a Kevin Love with the Cleveland Cavaliers this year, as a recent report surfaced stating that the team almost traded the former All-Star to the Phoenix Suns last season.

In a report by SB Nation's Fear the Sword, it was stated that Ethan Skolnick of the Miami Herald shared in a radio interview that the Cavaliers almost sent Love to the Suns in exchange for forward Markieff Morris and point guard Isaiah Thomas. 

Skolinick added that the Cavaliers considered the potential trade deal, but did not push through with it. 

In the offseason, Love became a free agent but later agreed to a massive five-year, $113.2 million deal with Cleveland. 

SB Nation's Fear the Sword mentioned in its report that if Love was traded to the Suns, there was no assurance that he would have re-signed with the team, like he did with the Cavs. 

Love, so far, is doing great for the Cavaliers and is averaging 15.7 points, 11 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 32.3 minutes of action per game.

Despite a good showing, Love is being criticized recently after a tough defeat the Cavs suffered versus the defending champions, Golden State Warriors.

In the game, Love only scored three points and was outmatched guarding Warriors forward Draymond Green.

Renowned sports analyst Stephen A. Smith even said he received text messages during that game stating that one of the moves the Cavaliers may do to achieve success is to let go of Love. 

It is unlikely that Cleveland will part ways with Love, but the former first-round pick has yet to play like the way he used to with the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Cavaliers acquired Love because his scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess were expected to complement LeBron James and Kyrie Irving's games. 

Love is performing fine for Cleveland, but not at the level he used to with Minnesota where he was the franchise's best player.