The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to shuffle their feet when it comes to trading Kevin Love. The team is fully aware that no matter how long they wait to escalate a deal, the interest will be there waiting, so what is the rush? Right now, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers are beating each other up trying to create the best trade package for the forward, while other teams like the Boston Celtics could simply be eliminating themselves from the race altogether.
The Boston Celtics were heavily involved with trade negotiations for Love prior to the NBA Draft. The team was willing to give up first-round draft picks along with Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger. There was all of the attention that surrounded a trip that Love took to Boston where he was photographed meeting with point guard Rajon Rondo. The team was thought to be the heavy favorites to make a deal. However, nothing became official and now the Celtics might not be interested at all anymore.
According to A. Sherrod Blakely of Comcast Sports Net New England, the Celtics are still interested in Love, but are moving on from the trade talks considering how long they are taking to get done.
"There's no waiving of the white flag just yet, but the Boston Celtics appear to be ready to move on from their pursuit of Minnesota star Kevin Love," Blakely wrote. "The more teams step up and show interest in Love, the further Boston falls in the pack. Danny's a smart guy. He knows when to keep pushing for something and when to move on."
Boston can only hold out so long for a trade involving Love. Blakely is correct saying that the team continues to fall down the list with the more teams that enter the race. Right now, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and possibly the Chicago Bulls have better trade offers even though the Celtics have a solid number of first-round draft picks to offer. Players like Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger do not hold the weight of someone like Andrew Wiggins or Klay Thompson. Unless Boston gets a third team involved, they might be out of the running.
Boston can easily become frontrunners for Love if the forward remains on the roster throughout the 2014 season. Love is reportedly intrigued with teaming up alongside Rondo. The team will have cap space to use on building up the roster. There is a lot of upside in joining the Celtics. However, if Love is traded, he likely re-signs with that respective team in free agency.
