Timberwolves forward Kevin Love won’t play in the 2014 Major League All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game during the festivities at Target Field.
According to the Star Tribune, Love’s name was not included during the latest media release promoting the event, which will be played on Sunday, July 13 at Target Field. ESPN will broadcast it the following night.
MLB & the Twins were notified earlier this week that Kevin Love has a schedule conflict and will not participate in celebrity softball game
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) July 2, 2014
Previously, Love was expected to participate along with fellow Minnesota athletes including Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, Wild forward Zach Parise, Maya Moore of the Minnesota Lynx and former Twins Jim Thome and Jack Morris.
But with Love’s future with the Wolves in doubt, he apparently won’t play in the celebrity game. Love has reportedly told the Timberwolves he plans to opt out of his contract with the team if he isn’t traded before the end of next season.
That has created rampant trade rumors involving the all-star forward.
No surprise that Kevin Love won't be participating in the all-star celebrity softball game. Uncertain future would cloud those festivities
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) July 2, 2014
According to Bleacher Report, the deal with the most traction continues to be one that would send Love to Golden State for David Lee and Klay Thompson, amongst other parts.
But the teams seem to still be a ways a part, especially as it relates to Thompson, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.
Wolves still focused on trying to land Klay Thompson from Warriors in Kevin Love deal, sources said, but Golden St still won't budge on Klay
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 1, 2014
If that deal doesn’t work out, many other teams are expected to get back into the fray for his services after the top free agents decide on their destination.
The Rockets, Suns, Bulls, Warriors all expected to make plays for Love if they miss out on James and/or Melo.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) July 1, 2014
Love’s sudden unavailability means he won’t have to face what could be a largely hostile crowd in his current team’s hometown.
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