The Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls might be considered the favorites to land a trade for Kevin Love, but the Golden State Warriors intend on getting involved in the race as well. With the NBA Draft a week away, if Love is getting traded, it will be soon since the Minnesota Timberwolves want a draft pick tossed into the trade package. Loaded up with assets, can the Warriors put together the deal that wins them Love?
According to ESPN.com, the Golden State Warriros are willing to give up a first-round draft pick, Klay Thompson and David Lee for Love. They might also be willing to toss in someone like Kevin Martin if the Timberwolves feel the original deal is not enough. Originally, the Timberwolves were reportedly seeking Harrison Barnes, but now that the Warriors have made Thompson available, the team would change their minds.
Thompson originally was not available for trades even if it meant getting Love. However, adding in the young shooting guard has increased their chances at landing Love, so Golden State is more willing than before to trade him. Thompson's father, a radio personality in Los Angeles confirmed that the Warriors and Timberwolves have discussed a deal, but the first-round draft pick would not be for another season since Golden State does not have one in this draft.
Is this the deal that forces Minnesota to make a move? The Boston Celtics are reportedly offering Jared Sullinger and Jeff Green. The Chicago Bulls are offering up Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler. Everyone must throw in a first-round pick as well. ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting the Denver Nuggets are now entering the race with a Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler package while the Houston Rockets have Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik up for the taking.
The race to land Love is a competitive one. After the All-Star forward announced his intentions to not re-sign with Minnesota in 2015, every team in the league assessed their chances t landing him in a trade. According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, no deal is even close to getting done, no matter what early reports are suggesting. The Timberwolves do not intend to rush into anything as they ponder moving on from their franchise star. If Love goes not get dealt by the NBA Draft, something could still be in the works if Minnesota starts to feel pressure from other teams.