With much certainty that they will trade Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Minnesota Timberwolves plan to pursue Philadelphia 76ers’ forward Thaddeus Young, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Young has been on the trading block for the Sixers since last season’s trade deadline. The Sixers unloaded Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner last year, and they were looking to deal Young as well, but they never found a suitable trade.
However, the Timberwolves have interest in Young, who they want as a replacement for when Love is gone.
As for Kevin Love trade discussions, the Wolves and Cavaliers have put that on hold at the moment as they wait for Andrew Wiggins, who officially signed his rookie contract a few days ago and cannot be traded for a month.
Despite the trade being placed on ice, there is much belief around the league that the Timberwolves and Cavaliers will eventually come to an agreement. After all, Minnesota has favored Cleveland’s offer over any other ones. A deal with Cleveland means that they will get a young rookie prospect with superstar credentials, and that is what has intrigued the Wolves.
The Chicago Bulls placed an offer of Taj Gibson, Nikola Mirotic, and Doug McDermott, but it didn’t interest the Timberwolves. Minnesota also received an offer of Iman Shumpert, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Amar’e Stoudemire from the New York Knicks, but the Wolves declined.
All signs point to a trade between the Wolves and Cavs, and it is only a matter of time at this point. Kevin Love wants to head to Cleveland, and LeBron James has a strong desire to pair up with the All-Star.
Hence, with all belief that Love will be a Cavalier, the Timberwolves are targeting Thaddeus Young to be their new power forward once their trade with Cleveland is completed.