The NBA trade deadline will pass at 2 p.m. today and there’s a chance the Wolves could make a move, but will All-Star power forward Kevin Love be involved?
Longtime NBA writer Peter Vescey tweeted on Wednesday that Love will either be traded before the deadline or he’ll opt-out of his contract following the 2014 season. Love could then become a free agent and sign with a new club for the 2015 season.
Wolves fans' nightmare has come true, earlier than scheduled. We knew Love'd split ASA eligible '14-15. But now he's forcing premature exit
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) February 20, 2014
Prior 2 AS break, KL alerted Flip he'll exercise summer '15 out & sign elsewhere. Expect him 2B moved B4 deadline or off season
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) February 20, 2014
Naturally, had Taylor done right thing (owner's call, not DKahn) & given KL 5 yrs vs 4 w/3-yr out, Wolves would've had him thru '16-17
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) February 20, 2014
Smart money supports educated speculation circulating KL wants 2 play 4 Lakes. He's comfortable in LA. Played 4 UCLA. Girlfriend's there…
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) February 20, 2014
Vescey is a respected writer in the NBA, but Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Flip Saunders denied Vescey’s report.
Rumors of Love telling me he's opting out & wants 2 b traded r false. Last convo I had w/ him was him telling me how bad my sports coat was.
— Flip Saunders (@Flip_Saunders) February 20, 2014
While Vescey says Love is “comfortable” in Los Angeles, Love told GQ that Minnesota is a better team with a better foundation and he’s happy playing for the Wolves.
Wolves coach Rick Adelman told the Star Tribune that rumors have to be in a player’s mind. “They’re only human,” he told the Star Tribune. “It’s a tough time of year, especially if something happens. Because then you have to pick up and you only have a few days to figure out what you’re going to do with everything.”
The rumors didn’t seem to bother Love last night when he scored 42 points to lead the Wolves to a win over the Pacers.
