Come July 1, the Chicago Bulls are hoping to be one of the teams in contention to make a trade for Kevin Love. He is the biggest name on the market and yet, he is not even on the market or at least not yet. The Minnesota Timberwolves have stated that while Love intends to test the market as a free agent in 2015, they have no plans to make a move at this point. But, every team is assuming they will seek a deal before the NBA Draft and teams are preparing their respective packages.
The Bulls are in need of upgrades. They want a big-time forward to pair with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Chicago has been linked to everyone from LeBron James, Luol Deng and Carmelo Anthony. However, when it looked like Love was going to be available, they shifted their focus. With limited trade pieces, what could the Bulls string together to get the Timberwolves interested?
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, any package for Love will not include Carlos Boozer or Taj Gibson. Much has been made about the future of Boozer in Chicago. The big man is entering the final year of his contract and coming off one of his worst seasons with the team. Many believed the Bulls would attempt to trade him or simply use the amnesty clause to wipe his $16.8 million salary off the books. That would free Chicago up to make several moves that could include trading for a player or signing someone out-right. The Sun Times believes using the amnesty clause is the best move.
A trade for Gibson seems crazy to consider. The 28-year-old forward has been a work in progress for the Bulls, but according to Gibson he will be a starter next year and not traded.
"I mean, this will be exciting,'' Gibson said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. "This is what I've always thought about. When I started [six games] for Boozer when he was hurt during the season, I just know how excited I was, how good it felt to come to the arena.''
It is hard to see the Bulls making a favorable deal for the Timberwolves without those two players involved. With them out of the picture, the Golden State Warriors really could be the frontrunners to land the forward. They plan on being aggressive in their approach for Love. Right now, SFGate.com is reporting they will offer David Lee, Harrison Barnes and first-round draft pick in 2015. That might also not be enough. The Timberwolves have a high price tag on Love and will not accept just anything for him.
