Let’s all just slow down for a second and figure out what exactly all of the wild Kevin Love trade rumors are saying. The rumors have come fast and furious, and with the NBA Draft quickly approaching, there’s no sign the saga will slow down.
The Boston Globe’s Baxter Holmes still believes the Warriors are favored to land Love in a trade before the draft, but the Celtics are still in the running.
A source close to the situation pointed out that “nothing is imminent” with regard to a potential deal, adding that pieces involved are still being discussed. Trade talks between the Timberwolves and several teams pursuing Love, including the Celtics, are expected to intensify leading up to the June 26 draft.
“Like anything else, they’re going to say, ‘We’ll wait until the last minute to see if anyone can up the ante,’ ” a league source said.
Based on reports, these are the deals potentially on the table.
BOSTON CELTICS
First-round picks No. 6 and 17 in this year’s draft, along with young players like Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk. Some reports say the Celtics have been outgunned by the Warriors.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
It was reported on Thursday that Golden State is willing to part ways with Klay Thompson, and some combination of David Lee, Harrison Barnes and a future No. 1 draft pick for Love and Kevin Martin. Read those details right here.
CHICAGO BULLS
Consider ESPN’s Brian Windhorst in the group of analysts who believes the Warriors’ isn’t the best possible offer the Wolves could receive.
In a interview on “The Waddle & Silvy Show” on ESPN Chicago 1000, Windhorst made a case for the Chicago Bulls:
“I think the Bulls can make an extremely compelling offer,” Windhorst said, according to ESPN. “I actually think the Bulls, depending on your perspective, could beat the offer that the Golden State Warriors are making with Klay Thompson and David Lee. I think the Bulls could offer a package that is even better than that if you toss in Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler. [It would be better] if you include the two first-round picks or at least one first-round pick. Golden State has no pick to offer.”
Golden State doesn’t have a first-round pick this year, but there have been reports suggesting the Warriors might be willing to part with Thompson, Lee and Harrison Barnes. The question then would be whether Wolves Head Coach/President of Basketball Operations Flip Saunders wants proven players or draft picks.
Here’s how Gibson and Lee, both power forwards, stack up based on their 2013-14 statistics.
- Gibson: 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 47.9 FG%
- Lee: 18.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.4 blocks, 52.3 FG%
Here’s how Thompson and Butler, both shooting guards (although Butler can play small forward, too), stacked up last season.
- Thompson: 18.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 228 3-pointers
- Butler: 13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals, 68 3-pointers
Offensively, the combination of Lee and Thompson is more potent than Gibson and Butler, but the opposite can be said for defensive talent.
DENVER NUGGETS
Earlier this week, the Nuggets were reportedly offering the Wolves Kenneth Faried and Wilson Chandler, along with a third player obtained as part of a three-team trade. Read those details here.
At the end of the day, this is wild, fun mess. Stay tuned…
