LeBron James is officially coming home after announcing that he would be re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers after four years with the Miami Heat. James signing is just the first step in the right direction for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team has been in a playoff drought even since James left for South Beach and with his return, a championship might be possible. However, that will not happen without further roster moves, so who stays and who goes as Kevin Love becomes the next target?
The Cavaliers are now considered the frontrunners to land the trade for the Minnesota Timberwolves forward. According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, Love is interested in a trade to Cleveland and would sign a long-term contract in 2015 if the deal is made. Getting James opens up Cleveland to these kinds of players. However, getting Love is easier said than done.
Competition is high for the forward. After announcing that he had no plans of re-signing with the Timberwolves in 2015, opting for free agency instead. The Boston Celtics have placed an offer on the table. The Chicago Bulls have made an offer. The Golden State Warriors have placed an offer out there. The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the mix as well, but do they have the right player package to win over Minnesota?
ESPN's Chris Broussard reports that the Cavaliers want to get a deal done without involving No. 1 draft pick, Andrew Wiggins. They have offered up Dion Waiters and former No. 1 pick, Anthony Bennett along with a first-round draft pick. That is not the deal the Timberwolves want. Broussard along with Grantland's Bill Simmons reports that Minnesota wants Wiggins in this deal or it might not get done. The Cavaliers have told Wiggins that he will not be going anywhere, so a third team would have to be involved in order to pursue the trade.
The Cavaliers had multiple chances to trade that No. 1 draft pick and opted to use it, likely for a reason. The team is invested in the future of Wiggins, certain he can become a productive super star for the team. However, in James' free agency letter to SI.com, he mentioned excitement over Kyrie Irving, Waiters, Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varajao. He made no mention of Wiggins? Is that just an odd observation, yes. Is that a hint at the future, maybe.
There is a 99 percent chance the Cavaliers trade Wiggins for Love. They will do all they can to keep the young star in order to get the forward. Love certainly has a reason to be intrigued by Cleveland. Teaming up with four-time MVP James and young All-Star Irving is enticing. The Cavaliers will make every push possible for him. If their pursuit fails, players like Mike Minor, Luol Deng or Lance Stephenson could be options.
