Jim Mone / AP

Kevin Love came to the Timberwolves in a draft-night deal last year. Don't be surprised if he's on the move again this year, NBCSports.com contributor Ira Winderman writes.

Q: There have been a lot of trade talks around the Cavaliers. Do you think they’ll actually pull off a deal for a premier player to put alongside LeBron James?
— Mark Thompson, Columbus, Ohio.

A: They'll do something, because owner Dan Gilbert knows he can't keep running in place with the possibility of LeBron James running elsewhere as a free agent next summer.

What the Cavaliers need is additional length on the wing. Although the height of the Magic's front line proved too much in the Eastern Conference finals, it hardly was a factor against the taller Lakers in the NBA finals.

What Cleveland needs is someone like Lamar Odom, who gave Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis fits in the title series. But the Cavaliers have only the mid-level exception and Odom will command far more after his championship moment.

Turkoglu also would help. But, again, he is not opting out to merely sign at the mid-level.

One name to keep an eye on might be Shawn Marion, who would provide plenty of length. Although Marion also is looking for more in free agency, he might take less now to enjoy a playoff run alongside LeBron.

In addition, don't discount the Shaquille O'Neal rumors. If, indeed, Cleveland views Orlando as its prime playoff rival, then it makes sense to consider someone who would keep Dwight Howard occupied on the defensive end of the court, so he couldn't otherwise chase blocked shots.

In addition, expect coach Mike Brown to be kept on a short leash. His defensive decisions against the Magic deservedly received plenty of scrutiny.

Q: How much of a difference do you think Stan Van Gundy’s choice of essentially going with Jameer Nelson over Rafer Alston made in the NBA finals against the Lakers?
— Matthew Brown, Chicago.

A: Ultimately, not much. The Lakers were the better team no matter the combinations utilized by Van Gundy. Had he stayed with Alston, there might have been another victory or two along the way, but ultimately nothing but the same runner-up status.

The issue was not the NBA finals, but rather Van Gundy's future relationship with Nelson.

In some ways, Van Gundy put Nelson in a difficult position, as a former starter forced to play reserve minutes, coming in cold off the bench. It did not cast Jameer in the best of light during a time his team was on the league's brightest stage.

Plus, by going with Nelson, it pushed Anthony Johnson, a significant contributor, to the end of the rotation, robbing him of the opportunity to contribute in the finals after helping Orlando during its run through the Eastern Conference.

The next move for Van Gundy and general manager Otis Smith has to be to jettison Alston, not because he did anything wrong, but because Nelson is the future of the team.

Based on Alston's playoff showing, there should be plenty of suitors.

Q: Ira, I need you to settle an argument I’m having with my brother. Who do you think is a better all-round basketball player, Kobe or LeBron?
— Willie, Wauwatosa, Wis.

A: Kobe, and for more than winning this year's title.

LeBron very well might pass Kobe at some stage, and probably will.

But the advantage Kobe has is one he also has on Dwyane Wade — he is a far superior shooter.

When LeBron makes a big shot, like his 3-pointer against the Magic, it almost comes as a surprise. With Kobe, the surprise is when he misses such an attempt.

LeBron is far more athletic than Kobe and more physically gifted. But Kobe has worked for his status as the game's premier perimeter player. Indeed, it could be argued that Kobe made LeBron better during the Olympics.

It used to be that Kobe would push for the spectacular, as LeBron does now. These days, though, it's just about getting the job done.

And he got the job done against the Magic.

He's No. 1 for now, just like his team.

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Not in his house

  Rajon Rondo had 18 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds and the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 85-75 in Game 7 on Saturday night to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.

PBT: Rondo simply cold-blooded  |  Highlights

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