The Minnesota Timberwolves are discussing a Kevin Love trade only with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Chicago Bulls are basically moving forward with the team they have, and the Golden State Warriors refuse to include Klay Thompson in a deal for Love, according to ESPN sources.
It has been reported many times before that the Cavaliers are clear cut front-runners. The Timberwolves favor their offer most because of Andrew Wiggins, who is a potential star in this league. Sources are saying that a deal with Cleveland is a matter of “when” not “if.”
As previously mentioned, the Wolves are already exploring different options to replace Kevin Love once he is traded to the Cavs. They are targeting Thaddeus Young of the Philadelphia 76ers. They also signed Mo Williams, who is likely to be the replacement of J.J. Barea. Barea, along with Kevin Martin, are rumored to be in the deal with Love.
Chicago’s offer for Love included Taj Gibson and highly cherished rookies Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott, but the Bulls want to keep the group they have. “[We] really like the group we have,” Gar Forman, Chicago’s general manager, told reporters.
As for the Warriors, they are still unwilling to give up Klay Thompson, who late last week, along with teammate Stephen Curry, told reporters that they believe Thompson won’t be traded. “We got a good core. I feel we have one of the better backcourts in the league,” Thompson told Yahoo Sports on Sunday. “I feel like we have a team that can do big things. Health is going to be huge, but I feel like we can make big strides this year,” Thompson continued.
“Every year there is some rumor in play and teams are trying to make a power move,” Curry said. “But they’ve made a decision, at least it seems like they have, that Klay is an investment they don’t want to give up. That speaks volumes to what he has been able to do in his career and his potential. I’m happy that he’s my backcourt mate,” added Steph.
Instead of David Lee and Klay Thompson, the Warriors are offering Lee and Harrison Barnes. However, Thompson has been Minnesota’s prime target but with Golden State’s refusal to give him up, the Wolves are moving on to a trade with the Cavaliers.
Both the Timberwolves and Cavaliers will have to wait to make the trade official next month, but both teams can agree on the framework of the deal.
It seems like it’s only a matter of time before the Cavaliers and Wolves pull this deal. Even though the Cavaliers have really liked Wiggins’ game, but they have a win-now mentality and they believe Love would be an immediate fit and help to the team.
LeBron James has already expressed his desire to pair up with Love and has contacted the two-time All-Star. The 25-year old Love will still opt out of his contract despite being in Cleveland, but he has indicated that the Cavaliers are one of few teams he would re-sign long-term.
The deal may contain approximately eight players, which includes Kevin Love, Kevin Martin, J.J. Barea, Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, John Lucas, Erik Murphy, and Malcolm Thomas. Also the Cavaliers will send a future first-round pick to sweeten the deal.
There are no indications as to when the trade will be agreed upon, but it is safe to say that Love will soon be on his way to Cleveland to form a new big three with James and Kyrie Irving.