Kevin Love is shelling out some tough love to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The young forward is getting a little tired of being on team that is constantly ending their season in disappointment. While Love is the face of the franchise, he is starting to have wandering eyes. Not available for free agency until the summer of 2015, Love is already letting the Timberwolves know that he will test the market.
Love is the most sought after player this summer and he is not even available unless Minnesota decides he is. According to ESPN.com, Love has not publically demanded a trade from Minnesota, he is making it clear that when he is a free agent, he will fully test the market and will not return to the Timberwolves. This could make Love very available this offseason. If Minnesota does not trade the forward, they will lose him for nothing in return. Right now, Love might have a bigger value than Carmelo Anthony and teams will give up a lot for him.
According to the AP, the asking price for Love is reportedly a high-first round draft pick in this year's draft, one veteran player and one young player that would add a good mix to the roster. The draft pick request is crucial because it could easily eliminate several teams from contention.
The New York Knicks are hoping to be the first team to get a crack at trade talks for Love. According to the New York Post, Phil Jackson is very high on the young star and would love to get ahold of him, but the draft pick could end discussions considering New York does not have any for a while. While they could offer up the players, they do not have the picks.
The Post continues to report that Love would be interested in New York if the team retains Carmelo Anthony who is also going to be a free agent. The Knicks could try and win over a deal with players. They would likely offer up someone like Amar'e Stoudemire who has failed to impress. They could also give away someone like Iman Shumpert or even Tyson Chandler.
The Houston Rockets are also very interested in grabbing Love as head coach Kevin McHale reportedly has a very strong bond with the forward. Yahoo Sports is noting that the Rockets would gladly give away Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik for the forward plus a draft pick. The Timberwolves have no use for Lin so they might not bite.
The Boston Celtics will also make a big run at Love according to ESPN. The team has a stash of draft picks they could offer the Timberwolves, along with players like Jeff Green and Gerald Wallace. Almost every team will inquire about Love and Minnesota will be forced to deal if the forward really wants out.
