The most sought after NBA player in this year's offseason might not be available. Kevin Love has the attention of every single NBA team as he enters the final year of his current contract. The Minnesota Timberwolves were once again one of the worst teams in the NBA in 2013-14 and will be looking to make a lot of moves over the next two years. With the possibility of losing Love for nothing in return inching closer, several teams are offering their best package to get the young forward.
According to Mary Schmitt Boyer of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavaliers are the latest team to offer a deal in return for Love. Boyer reports Cleveland presented a deal to the Timberwolves that would send a No. 1 overall draft pick plus Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson to Minnesota in return for love. Minnesota has since denied the offer. Boyer believes this deal was presented during the trading period midseason and could easily come up again as the offseason approaches.
The Timberwolves plan on doing everything in their power to retain Love. The team is looking to get him signed to a max contract sooner rather than later and end all of this trade speculation taking place. The issue could be whether or not Love actually wants to return. The Timberwolves have done nothing but struggle as they once again enter a season where rebuilding must take place. Love wants the chance to win a championship, something that simply cannot happen in Minnesota at this moment.
The Cavaliers are not the only team eyeing Love. The Los Angeles Lakers believe they are a realistic landing spot for the forward either by trade or free agency in 2015. Right now, the Lakers have no trade pieces and their salary cap situation makes it tough to pay Love. With Kobe Bryant signed to his monster deal and Pau Gasol looking to come back as well, Los Angeles might not be in the running based on price alone.
The New York Knicks will also be looking to make a run on Love. Phil Jackson is preparing to clean house in order to retain Carmelo Anthony. With Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire on the trade blocks, the door is open for Love. He would be an excellent addition alongside Carmelo Anthony.
The Timberwolves will not trade their forward for just anything. That is clear considering what Cleveland offered up. If negotiations with Love this offseason start to sour, the team could start making this trade move urgent in hopes of at least getting something in return for the super star.
