The race for Kevin Love is on and getting heated. Which team can present the best trade package to the Minnesota Timberwolves to win the forward before the season begins? The team wants a big star in return and is not willing to settle for just anyone. They had multiple chances to trade Love prior to the NBA Draft, but opted to wait in hopes of getting a better deal from a desperate team. That plan appears to be paying off as two of the frontrunners are now offering up their biggest assets for Love.
The Golden State Warriors looked to have a trade for Love locked down before the NBA Draft. They were willing to give up David Lee and Harrison Barnes along with draft picks. However, the Timberwolves pulled back and said they would only do a deal if Klay Thompson was available as well. The Warriors tabled the negotiations declaring the shooting guard not available. However, the competition has gotten stiff and the Warriors are changing their stance on Thompson.
According to NBA sources at BasketballInsiders.com, the Warriors are now willing to send Thompson to the Timberwolves if it means getting Love. Either Lee or Barnes are also expected to be included in the deal as well. This comes on the heels of the news the Cleveland Cavaliers are offering up Andrew Wiggins for the forward. Golden State now realizes that if they are going to win over Minnesota, they might have to let go of a franchise favorite star.
Yahoo Sports reported that LeBron James favors Love more than Wiggins. Considering the forward is on a two-year deal, there is big pressure for Cleveland to please the star. They previously said they were unwilling to trade the No. 1 draft pick, but have now made him available in a deal for Love. Golden State is following the trend with Thompson. NBA general managers have said that both Wiggins and Thompson are too valuable to deal, but desperation for Love is running too high to listen.
Golden State and Cleveland are the two favorites for Love. The Chicago Bulls have offered Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler. The Boston Celtics offered Jared Sullinger and Jeff Green, but Minnesota turned their heads at both offers. They want a young star that can stick around the franchise for the long-term.
The Timberwolves are still toying with the idea of not making Love available at all and attempting to re-sign him come free agency in 2015. Love has already announced he will test the market, but owner Glen Taylor remains confident that the Timberwolves remain in the running to keep the forward around.
