Cavs' Frye: Love knows we have his back
Kevin Love's stock has never been higher since he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2014-15, yet his All-Star contributions on the hardwood haven't been enough to keep his name out of trade rumors ahead of the Feb. 23 deadline.
Nonetheless, Love continues to receive undying support from his teammates, including veteran Channing Frye, who doesn't see any reason why the 28-year-old should be worried about getting dealt when he's playing this well.
"As a teammate, I don't feel sorry for him," Frye told ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Who cares about rumors? We love him. We know what he does for this team. He's a Banana Republic model.
"Dude, he's fine. He's absolutely fine. He knows we have his back."
Related: Love wants to play 'winning basketball' in Cleveland for rest of career
Cleveland has fared much better offensively when Love takes the floor, scoring 4.1 more points per 100 possessions. Surprisingly enough, the reigning champions have even excelled defensively - an area in which Love's been criticized for much of his career - with him on the court, giving up 7.2 more points per 100 possessions when he sits.
"We're a very good team with him. You know, we're a very good team with him. So, let's just keep it going," Frye added.
Love is one of five players in the Eastern Conference averaging a double-double in points (19.9) and rebounds (11.1). He also ranks 11th in the Association with 29 double-doubles through 42 appearances for the 34-15 Cavaliers.