Report: Kevin Love interested in joining Blazers

Should the Cleveland Cavaliers decide to trade Kevin Love, the veteran big man would prefer to play for the Portland Trail Blazers, sources told The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor.

A move to Portland would serve as a homecoming for the 31-year-old, as Love grew up just outside the Rose City in nearby Lake Oswego, Ore.

Love is in the first year of a four-year contract worth $120.4 million, a figure that will make it difficult for Cleveland to find a trade partner that can match salaries. The 6-foot-8, 215-pounder is averaging 15.6 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this year for the Cavaliers.

The Blazers are also expected to pursue Oklahoma City Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari on the trade market, sources told O'Connor.

Either player would represent a frontcourt upgrade for Portland. While Carmelo Anthony had a solid stretch after signing with the Blazers last month, he's struggled his last two games, shooting 26% from the floor. The team is also currently without sidelined forwards Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins due to injury.