Minnesota Timberwolves new head coach and president of basketball operations Flip Saunders told reporters last week that he has received a frenzy of calls regarding a trade for Kevin Love. After it was reported the forward had no intentions of re-signing in free agency, every team in the league assumed he was available. The Timberwolves remain coy on the idea of dealing away their franchise star, remaining hopeful they can retain him, but that is not stopping other teams from calling about a price tag. The Chicago Bulls have already put down an official offer.
According to Jackie MacMullan of ESPN.com, the Bulls have placed an offer on the table that includes Jimmy Burtler, Taj Gibson and possibly Carlos Boozer along with draft picks. That is certainly a lot to give up from one player in return, but the combination of Love, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose certainly puts Chicago in contention for many titles over the next few years. The addition of Boozer is no surprise. His contract bloats to $16.8 million before expiring. Gibson and Butler represent talented youth, something Minnesota has been aiming to receive, plus the draft picks are very enticing.
That trade package might be better than any other team can offer the Timberwolves. The Boston Celtics are interested and while they have the draft picks, they lack the talent. A package including Butler and Gibson is better than Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger. It also beats a Rockets deal with Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik. Chicago is reportedly one of the teams Love is favoring. Sending him to the Windy City would at least allow the Timberwolves to avoid multiple meet ups during the season.
The Bulls have reportedly been deciding between Love and Carmelo Anthony. According to SBNation, Love is the better fit for Chicago over the New York Knicks star. Love has gotten some hate for not being "the guy" for the Timberwolves. The forward is an absolute star, but does not have to be the No. 1 guy for Chicago if he does not want to be. Noah and Rose are no slouches and will take the pressure off one another while keeping the roster balanced.
It still remains to be seen what will happen to Love. Saunders continues to maintain his stance that Love can be retained. After hiring himself as the head coach, that will play a big role in what Love opts to do. However, the forward's future is not in his hands this summer. Love might want to play in Chicago, but the Sacramento Kings could offer something better. The Timberwolves will seek out a deal that most benefits them over Love.
