Regardless of what happens with the Cleveland Cavaliers' pursuit of Kevin Love, Dion Waiters might find himself traded. The Cavaliers have been shopping the shooting guard for a year now, but have yet to finalize any specific deal. Waiters was one of the consistent threats for Cleveland last season and LeBron James seems to trust him, but Cleveland is set on dealing in order to get the best players available.
There are multiple trade situations for Waiters. He could be dealt straight out in a move or Cleveland could use him in a three-team trade for Love. According to FOX Sports Ohio, the Cavaliers have been looking for a third team to get involved in a trade for Love in order to help prevent dealing Andrew Wiggins. The Philadelphia 76ers are emerging as that possible team to help get the deal in motion.
FOX Sports continues saying the Minnesota Timberwolves have some interest in small forward Thaddeus Young who could be the replacement of Love. Young has been tossed up in several trade talks since joining Philadelphia since the team is just hoarding cap space. He told the media this offseason that he expects to remain in Philadelphia, but notes that general manager Sam Hinke is making it known that anything is possible.
The Cavaliers would deal Waiter to the Sixers in hopes that they would send Young to the Timberwovles and Love to Cleveland. Of course other players and draft picks would have to be tossed in as well to sweeten the deals for the 76ers and Timberwolves, but the outline appears to be set. This would help Cleveland avoid dealing No. 1 draft pick Wiggins, someone they hope can develop into James' right-hand man.
Competition for Love is heating up and if any team wants a deal, they must get it done quickly. The Chicago Bulls have entered back into the race. The Boston Celtics are still holding interest. At this point, any team hoping to win over the Minnesota Timberwolves must involve a third team because they have turned down every offer to this point. Most teams are unwilling to offer up their youngest asset like Klay Thompson, Wiggins or even Taj Gibson, making another team crucial in negotiations.
The Cavaliers remain very optimistic that they can be the team that gets the forward. ESPN.com is reporting that team officials talk with the Timberwolves almost daily to see where they stand in trade talks. Things are expected to heat up as free agency dies down.