The Cleveland Cavaliers are getting closer to a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Love and the blockbuster trade has some pieces falling into place around Andrew Wiggins, as the Wolves want to offload Kevin Martin and JJ Barea and that is why the Cavs have acquired John Lucas, Malcolm Thomas and Erik Murphy from the Utah Jazz for Carrick Felix, a future second round pick and $1 million.
The trade was first reported by Yahoo Sports and it came after the Cavaliers started looking for deals that could help them facilitate a Love trade with the Wolves. According to ESPN.com reporter Marc Stein, the Timberwolves want to offload Kevin Martin in the deal for Love and since he has three years and $21 million left on his deal, which means the Cavs had to make some manuvers to set up their roster and salary cap. The Cavaliers are moving to sign Wiggins to his rookie contract and that would mean he can't be traded for 30-days, but sources said to ESPN that it would not affect the deal. The Cavaliers are motivated to make move with the Timberwolves, as the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors have also shown strong interest in Love.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, the three players are on non-guaranteed contracts and that was necessary to get the deal done, as Minnesota wants to offload Martin and get some salary cap relief. The team likely will receive two former number one overall picks in Wiggins and Anthony Bennett along with a future first round pick. It's likely that JJ Barea or Martin will be moved in the deal and there is a chance that both players could be traded, as they have $25 million plus between the two of them in their deals on the cap.
The Timberwolves are looking at Wiggins as the main part of the package and the Cavs previously did not want to put him in, originally offering Anthony Bennett and Dion Waiters along with a first round pick. The Timberwolves are playing the Warriors and Cavaliers off each other and now the Chicago Bulls are involved and this comes as Minnesota wants Klay Thompson from Golden State. The Warriors have offered Harrison Barnes and David Lee in a deal, but the Wolves only want Thompson and will not trade unless they get him.
Wiggins has the potential to be a star and he comes out of Kansas after averaging 17 points and six rebounds per game. Wiggins was impressive in the summer league and he averaged over 15 points in four games and he will be the centerpiece of a Love deal if it goes down. The Bulls have jumped in and they are reportedly willing to offer Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler. Reports have the Cavaliers clearing space by making moves and even if they strike out on Love, they are prepared to make other deals that could help the team.
