The Cleveland Cavaliers were hoping to have a trade for Kevin Love complete by now. After signing LeBron James in free agency, the team made the deal their next priority, but the shuffling of the Minnesota Timberwolves has made that a bit more difficult. Minnesota is looking for the best deal possible from any team looking for Love and while the Cavaliers appear to have that, the Timberwolves are content on waiting to see what else presents itself. If no trade occurs this offseason, is Cleveland still the frontrunner for the forward?
According to Love, his position on opting out in 2015 still stands. The forward has now stated several times this offseason that he will become a free agent next summer and test the market to see his value. He basically hinted that the Timberwolves have no shot at retaining him for the long-term despite the money offers. That has opened Love up to several trade rumors, but if Minnesota keeps him around, who wins the sweepstakes in 2015?
If Love is not traded and does become a free agent, the frenzy will be intense. The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers immediately re-enter the race for the forward along with others, but Cleveland still intends on being at the top. According to Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, if no trade is made this summer, the Cavaliers will still present a max contract to Love in 2015. So, the forward can get the money he wants while also playing with LeBron James.
Cleveland is still trying to pull a trade off first. The Plain Dealer notes the Cavaliers are trying to get the Philadelphia 76ers involved in a three-team deal involving both Dion Waiters and Thaddeus Young that would please Minnesota. Those discussions have been brief, but at this point it appears the only way a team might land Love now is by getting some assistance. The 76ers have the most cap space of any team in the league right now, so they are the new best friends of every franchise wanting Love.
The hold out by Minnesota has certainly forced teams to offer up their best assets. The Cavaliers had no intentions of dealing first-round draft pick Andrew Wiggins, but the growing desperation has made him available. The Golden State Warriors have taken the same approach with Klay Thompson.
Love likely wishes this mess were over. The forward intended on playing with Team USA this summer, but was left off the roster due to trade negotiations that have been deemed a distraction. He is the most wanted player in the league, but the Timberwolves are not letting him go for just anything.
