Everyone wants Kevin Love, but only one team can get him. While the New York Knicks are preparing a massive push to trade for the Minnesota Timberwolves star, they simply might not have enough valuable pieces to make it work. Without a draft pick to their name, the Knicks are going to have to explore all options if they want to trade for a top young forward. If Love is not an option for the Knicks, then who is?
According to the New York Post, Jackson is plotting a trade for Love that will be used as a selling tool to re-sign Carmelo Anthony to a long-term extension. Anthony is a free agent this summer and will not agree to returning to the Knicks if the team does not show signs of serious improvement. Currently in the midst of a coaching search, Jackson also needs to bring in talent to win over the team's star guard.
Jackson's interest in Love certainly shows that he is willing to make the big moves to better the Knicks, but acquiring the forward is a long shot at best. Unfortunately for Jackson, he inherited a team without any first-round draft picks or valuable trade pieces. They simply do not have enough to offer the Timberwolves that would make up for losing Love. Amar'e Stoudemire would likely be included, but adding in Tim Hardaway Jr or JR Smith with no draft picks is not going to get them the deal.
If Love is out of the picture, the Knicks could target LaMarcus Aldridge or a trade for Tristan Thompson. Aldridge has one more year remaining on his contract with the Portland Trailblazers. According to ESPN.com, he has no intentions of re-signing with the team in the future and will look to test the market, just like Love. The forward has been on the radar for the Knicks all season as the team has considered multiple trade deals for him. Anthony has expressed his liking of Aldridge and that could win him over more than Love.
Thompson is officially on the trade blocks according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Cavaliers are favoring a trade of the forward over deals for Kyrie Irving or Dion Waiters. Thompson is young and in the right setting he could really develop into something strong for the Knicks. He does not have the star power or resume to win over Anthony's favor, but is still talented enough to make an impact.
The Knicks had no plan B in their coaching search and they would be wise not to make the same mistake with their trades. Jackson might favor Love, but Aldridge and Thompson could still be strong assets to add onto the roster.
