The Chicago Bulls have re-entered the race for Kevin Love after calming down talks after the NBA Draft, but the team is going in cautiously, only willing to give up so much. The Bulls stopped focusing on Love once NBA free agency began and shifted their sights to Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. They missed out on both players, leaving them to only Pau Gasol. Now with those contracts taken care of, Love becomes a priority again, but only at a certain cost.
When the bulls first expressed interest in Love prior to the NBA Draft, they were offering a package that include Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler plus a first-round draft pick. That offer could still stand as they re-engage talks with the Minnesota Timbewolves. However, one offer that will not be discussed is anything including draft pick, Doug McDermott.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls have signed McDermott to a contract and he will not be available for any deals for the next 30 days. However, once that deadline passes, the Bulls are still not eager to move McDermott, confident that he can develop into a truly productive player for the team.
The Bulls are in the same position as the Cleveland Cavaliers could be. The Cavaliers are preparing to sign Andrew Wiggins to a contract sometime in the next week, leaving him in the same spot as McDermott. Even if either team wants to deal their young stars, they have to wait the mandated 30 days per NBA rules. Love could be gone by then.
Despite the Bulls emerging as a new trade partner, the Cavaliers are remaining optimistic that they lead the pact for a deal without having to involve Wiggins. Right now, Cleveland is trying to escalate a three-team trade with the Philadelphia 76ers to sweeten the deal for Minnesota. They would send Dion Waiters to Philadelphia. Thaddeus Young would go to the Timberwolves while Love would head to Cleveland.
The Cavaliers are already set themselves up for more roster and financial flexibility over the next few seasons with a deal they made with the Utah Jazz acquiring non-guaranteed contracts. They could easily move those deals in order to make room for Love and his potential contract extension.
Leaving out a young star in a trade to the Timberwolves could kill negotiations. Golden State is not dealing Klay Thompson, putting them out of the running for Love. If the Bulls are not willing to include McDermott, they too might be out of the race.