The Cleveland Cavaliers have been open about the possibility of trading the number one overall pick in the draft and while some deals have been reported on with the Thunder and Blazers, the team also reached out to the Minnesota Timberwolves about forward Kevin Love.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Cavs offered the top pick along with Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters for Love, but Timberwolves president Flip Saunders politely said no. Saunders previously said this offseason that Love would not be moved despite persistent rumors and Love himself quashed any bad feelings he had towards the organization and praised Saunders for his work. The team has discussed other deals, including moving Derrick Williams for Tyson Chandler or to the Clippers.
The Timberwolves don't want to give up love because they feel they have a solid core with him and Ricky Rubio and if they Nikola Pekovic and Martell Webster back playing well, the team feels it can challenge for the playoffs. Last season the team dealt with numerous injuries, including to Love and Rubio and this time around Sunders is expecting a better season.
Cleveland has been working on various deals since it has multiple draft picks and if they don't move out the pick is likely Alex Len or Nerlens Noel, who some teams have injury concerns about. Both players are coming off injuries and the Cavs feel a trade it worth it because with Kyrie Irving and their young core they feel they are close to turning things around.
The Cavaliers also have been talking about Celtics forward Paul Pierce and that he could be acquired in a trade as well for multiple second round picks. The team also has had talks with the Mavericks about Shawn Marion, but that deal would have to get Marion to opt in and would include the No. 19 pick for Dallas' No. 13 pick. The Mavericks are reportedly not trying to deal Marion but if the trade looks good they could end up pulling the trigger and Cleveland has been eager to try and deal out of the spot.
