The Golden State Warriors are armed with trade pieces that could land them the biggest name in the offseason, Kevin Love. After the Minnesota Timberwolves forward announced his plans to forgo a contract extension and test the free agent market in 2015, every team in the league began plotting a trade to win him over. The Warriors believe they have the best shot of anyone to make the deal happen and will be aggressive in the approach.
According to SFGate.com, the Warriors are preparing to go all-in on a deal for Love. Rusty Simmons reports that Golden State now see themselves as the top contender and plan on pushing Minnesota into a deal. Golden State is not the only team with wide eyes towards Love, but Golden State might actually have what it takes to land the star.
ESPN's Marc Stein first reported that Love was interested in joining a contending team and favors the Warriors, Chicago Bulls and possibly the Lakers. Out of those three teams, the Warriors stand the best shot. The issue will be what Golden State includes in the package to make the deal happen. Simmons continues to write that the team does not want to deal Klay Thompson. They are sold on his development and future. Golden State instead wants a package that includes David Lee and a bad contract, HArrison Barnes and a 2015 first-round pick.
The issue could be Lee. The Timberwolves will want nothing to do with a contract that has $30 million and two more years on it. Barnes' stock is low. The placement of the first-round pick is unknown. Now, the Warriors could opt to get creative and include to Orlando Magic in a three-team trade. They are suitors for Lee and the Warriors could somehow land Arron Afflalo and Love in a creative move.
Going all-in on Love makes sense for Golden State. He and Stephen Curry on the court together would be pick-and-roll heaven. Lovep laying next to Andrew Bogut would help his rebounding. The team would be a defensive matchup nightmare. However, while the move makes every bit of sense, putting it together will be no easy task. The Timberwolves will be picky because they know they can afford to be.
