Kevin Love is not available, at least not right now. After it was reported the Minnesota Timberwolves forward would be testing free agency come 2015, he has become the apple of every team's eye this summer. If Love is available, he might be more sought after than Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James. Many believe Love has what it takes to be a franchise star and carry a team to a championship. While the Lakers and Golden State Warriors could be favorites for Love, could the Washington Wizards be a darkhorse in a deal?
The Wizards might have exited the postseason earlier than they hoped, but the team showed serious promise for the future. John Wall is a star in the making and with a few key roster upgrades the Wizards could easily contend in the Eastern Conference. This offseason, Washington loses two key players to free agency, Trevor Ariza and Marcin Gortat. Both players were essential in the run Washington had this season and while the Wizards would ideally like to keep both of them, getting Love might be a more favorable deal.
Gortat saw his stock rise in the postseason. He only averaged 4.8 points per game in the postseason, but he did put up 4.5 rebounds in 16 minutes of play. He is in for a nice pay raise for teams looking for a complimentary big man. Ariza is another player that excelled in the postseason and will get attention come free agency. Washington likely will not re-sign both players meaning Gortat will be treated as the priority move.
NBA.com writer David Aldridge believes the Wizards will explore a deal for Love. Aldridge first notes Love's history with the team. His father played for the then-Bullets in the 70's. He believes the forward has a soft spot for the team. The Wizards meet the qualifications of being set to win now and could be contenders for the next several years especially if Love is added.
The issue is putting together a deal. A trade for Love will not come without the loss of Bradley Beal. The shooting guard is simply not available. There is likely no trade the Wizards will deem worthy of giving him up. He averaged 17.1 points this season with 3.3 assists and complimented Wall well. If Beal is not available, Love is not available.
The Wizards have also been linked to free agents like Luol Deng and Gordon Hayward. Deng will come at a high price as will Hayward. The Utah Jazz intend on fighting for their forward while Deng has no intentions of remaining with the Cavaliers. The Wizards recent success will make them a candidate for marquee free agents meaning a trade for Love is not necessarily a priority.
