Love expects to be in Cleveland ´for a long time´

Kevin Love says he does not believe the trade rumours that have the Cleveland Cavaliers trading him to the New York Knicks for Carmelo Anthony.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Love said he expected to be in Cleveland “for a long time”.

The forward played an integral role in bringing the Cavaliers their first NBA championship last season and he is averaging a double-double this year (19.9 points, 11.0 rebounds per game).

But that is the type of talent it would take to land Anthony.

The Knicks are reportedly adamant that Love be included in the deal, while the Cavs are apparently not willing to part with the four-time All-Star.

Love is used to being part of such trade scuttlebutt, going back to his days with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“I predicted that,” he said.

“With this being my ninth year in the league, I guess it’s just part of the growth process.”

The NBA trade deadline is February 23.