The Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves have the Kevin Love basically done for Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett and now time is the only major factor and there also is a chance things could turn into a three team deal with the Philadelphia 76ers for Thaddeus Young, as that would allow the Wolves to replace Love in their lineup and the Cavs are also looking at Ray Allen and Shawn Marion as free agent options.
According to ESPN.com, the Love deal can go down August 23, which is 30 days after Andrew Wiggins signed his rookie contract and while the teams can't comment publicly, all media reports have it being agreed on. Love is coming into the season after a career year and it has long been thought that he would opt out of his contract after next season to test free agency and that basically meant leaving the Wolves.
Love is coming off his best season in the NBA and he was great last year despite being on a bad team, averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds. Now he joins LeBron James and Kyrie Irving and that could be the best trio of players together in the league and potentially could be better than whet he had in Miami.
The Love deal has had rumors and developments all summer and after the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls made strong pushes, it was the Cavaliers that got it done and it came perhaps with a bit of prodding from their returning son in LeBron James. According to ESPN.com, the Love deal has been agreed to between the two teams, but it can't happen for two more weeks after Wiggins signed his rookie deal, meaning he can't be traded for 30 days and now the clock is moving towards a deal.
Cleveland has been active in free agency and they have added Mike Miller and James Jones and they also are looking at Ray Allen, who is deciding between the Cavs and retirement. If the Cavaliers officially pull off the deal for Love, expect Allen to heavily consider that option since he is looking to add another championship to his resume after already winning with LeBron in Miami. The Timberwolves felt they had no choice but to traded Love, as he made it clear he wants to hit the free agent market when he gets the chance and that means likely leaving the Wolves. Love is a 26 point and 12 rebound player from last season and he will turn the tide in the east if he is officially moved.
The Cavaliers now have a strong mix of veterans and young players with Love coming in, as they also signed James Jones and Mike Miller. LeBron should feel very comfortable with this team and now they have some solid young talent like Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving along with Tristan Thompson and adding Love to that mix could mean the first championship in decades for the city of Cleveland. The trade is going to go through eventually and while it took a while, the Cavs are thrilled.
