NBA Trade Rumors: 3 players that will stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers

When LeBron James made the difficult decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, the Cavaliers were under no illusions at how tough it would be to maintain their run of Eastern Conference Finals appearances.

Despite this, the team made a number of moves in a bid to compete in the East, including signing Kevin Love to a new contract and drafting a promising young point guard in Collin Sexton.

Nevertheless, the Cavs' plans for continued success have not worked out, and the team currently sit bottom of the East standings with a 9-40 record. The franchise has recently turned their attention to a rebuild, and due to this, the entire Cavs roster has been linked with a trade.

With the February trade deadline quickly approaching, a number of departures are expected, however, here we will look at the members of the Cavs roster that will still be around after the deadline passes.

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#3 Larry Nance Jr.

Larry Nance Jr. Cleveland Cavaliers v Indiana Pacers

While Larry Nance Jr. has been linked with a trade away from the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cavs will be in no hurry to trade him away. The 26-year-old has continually stated his happiness in Cleveland, and Nance Jr. has been one of the most consistent performers on a struggling Cavs team.

In addition to this, the Cavs forward also has a favorable contract situation. Nance Jr. is earning just $2.2 million for the 18/19 season, and while his salary will increase to $12 million next year, Nance Jr. is locked into a deal until 2022.

Due to this, the Cavs will be happy to keep the versatile player on their books until at least the summer, so don't expect Nance Jr. to exit the Cavs next month.

#2 Jordan Clarkson

Cleveland Cavaliers v Los Angeles Lakers

Jordan Clarkson was not heavily recruited out of college, and in the 2014 NBA draft, Clarkson was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 46th overall pick. The guard was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, although after three and a half successful years with the team, Clarkson was surprisingly traded to the Cavs last February.

Clarkson initially struggled to get minutes in Cleveland, although since LeBron left in the summer, the 26-year-old has excelled, averaging 16.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Clarkson's performances have made him the target of trade rumors, although the former Lakers man is still locked into a well-paid contract until 2020.

While there will be interest in Clarkson, the Cavs are more likely to move on players with expiring contracts such as Alec Burks and Rodney Hood, and just like his former Lakers teammate Nance Jr., Clarkson is likely to stick around until the summer.

#1 Kevin Love

Cleveland Cavaliers v Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin Love signed a new four-year, $120 million contract with the Cavaliers last summer, as Cleveland looked to build around their remaining All-Star after the departure of LeBron James.

Despite the Cavs ambition to compete in the aftermath of LeBron's departure, the team currently has the worst record in the NBA, and reports have emerged linking Love with a trade away from the team that he joined in 2014.

Nevertheless, even if the Cavs want to trade away Love, the franchise is going to have an extremely difficult time in finding a buyer. Love recently turned 30, and he will be locked until a huge deal until he is 34. The Cavs man has also played in just four games this season, shooting just .323 from the field.

Ultimately, a move for Love may develop in the summer, however, no team from around the league is likely to take a risk on the 5-time All-Star next month.