Kevin Love is one of the many players waiting to see what his future holds after free agents like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh sign in free agency. The Minnesota Timberwolves forward has already announced his plans to test the free agent market in 2015, leaving everyone to believe they can acquire him in a trade now instead of later. However, no move will be made until well into free agency, so who is the leading contender to land 2015's biggest player?
The Boston Celtics are positioning themselves to become the favorites to land Love either by trade or in free agency next season. The Celtics managed to make themselves part of a three-team trade where they acquired two players on expiring contracts and a first-round draft pick while literally giving up nothing. The Cleveland Cavaliers initiated a deal in order to clear necessary cap space and the Celtics benefited by gathering yet another quality draft pick to trade away.
According to the Boston Globe, Celtics team president Danny Ainge has all the faith in the world that the team will land Love. The forward has already been seen in Boston and has spoken with point guard Rajon Rondo, the question just remains if Minnesota will trade him or simply wait until free agency next season. According to SI.com, the Timberwolves are in no rush to make a deal right now, content with letting free agency play itself out and wait for the next wave of offers from teams. Minnesota wants a lot in return for Love in tune of first-round draft picks and impact players. The Celtics have both.
ESPNBoston.com had reported that the Celtics originally placed an offer on the table prior to the NBA Draft that included a first-round pick, Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger. They opted to use the draft pick instead, but the recent trade means they pick up another available for dealing. The Globe reports that the team is also willing to tweak which players are available in the deal. Boston is now offering up young talent James Young as a piece in a deal.
Boston has everything it needs to acquire Love, it just remains to be seen if Minnesota actually plans on trading him or not. There is a very good chance Love remains on the roster for this season and simply walks away in free agency. The Cleveland Cavaliers would like to be part of the discussion for Love in 2015 if he walks away, using James as a player to attract him with. News around Love will heat up again soon and then the weight rests on the Timberwolves to make a move or not.
