With the top free agents off the market, NBA fans have now turned their attention to trade rumors involving Kevin Love. The California native has expressed that he wants to play with a contender. And by contender, most people think of a team that has made the playoffs at least once since 2004. The Timberwolves though, have not been able to do this. This is why most believe Love will be on the move this year.
*Why the Timberwolves must trade Love before he becomes a free agent: While it is very hard to trade a prospect heading into his prime, Minnesota needs to face the harsh reality. If they do not trade Love this off-season, he will become a free agent next year. Then he will be on the move, and the T-Wolves will be left with nothing in return. By trading him now, Minnesota could receive prospects, draft picks, and possibly seasoned veterans to lead their young team.
*Cavaliers and Timberwolves Trade Rumors: Kevin Love told reporters he was "intrigued" by the idea of joining Cleveland. Also, if Love did go to the Cavs, a big three with LeBron and Kyrie Irving would be made. This would be an ideal situation for the championship hungry Love. The only thing stopping a Cavaliers-Timberwolves trade is the Cavs' refusal to trade their #1 draft pick Andrew Wiggins. Cleveland has proposed a trade involving former #1 pick Anthony Bennett and Dion Waiters for Love. But this trade proposal has not gotten Timberwolves to bite. They are staying strong and will only accept a trade if Wiggins is involved. The Cavs are holding on to Wiggins because they believe he will be the one to take over the franchise after LeBron leaves. This is a higher risk than trading Wiggins for the already proven Kevin Love. All in all, a Timberwolves-Cavaliers trade is not likely, unless Cleveland starts to budge with Canadian Andrew Wiggins.
*Warriors and Timberwolves Trade Rumors: The Timberwolves want Klay Thompson like they do Andrew Wiggins, and without Thompson in the trade proposal, The T-Wolves aren't going to budge. The Warriors like their 24 year old shooting guard too much, and it isn't likely he will be traded. Also, Thompson is an important part of the Golden State backcourt, and too valuable to trade, even if it is for Kevin Love.
*Everything can be summed up by John Krawczynski's tweet:
"Lots telling me Wolves HAVE to move Love now. All I can say is they don't see it that way. No Klay. No Wiggins. No Love. Period."