The Cleveland Cavaliers have completed a trade that could be another big move to acquire Wolves forward Kevin Love.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that Cleveland has acquired three non-guaranteed contracts through a trade with the Utah Jazz.
Wojnarowski reports the Cavaliers traded the guaranteed deal of Carrick Felix, a future second-round pick and $1 million to Utah for John Lucas, Malcolm Thomas and Erik Murphy.
Those three players could be sent to the Wolves as part of a package for the three-time All-Star.
Minnesota's been determined to unload Kevin Martin and JJ Barea in a Love deal — no easy task for Cavs to make work without a third team.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 22, 2014
The news broke Tuesday evening on the heals of a report from ESPN that the Chicago Bulls have rekindled trade talks with the Wolves for Love.
While specific details of the Chicago offer remain unclear, ESPN reports the offer is believed to include power forward Taj Gibson and shooting guard Jimmy Butler.
Talks between the Wolves and Cleveland have picked up since LeBron James chose to return to Cleveland through free agency.
Love reportedly has told the Wolves that he will opt-out of his contract if he is not traded before the end of the season. Those reports have continued despite recent comments from Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor that the team hoped to start the season with Love on the roster.
There is no knowledge of how serious the Chicago offer is.
Wolves president and coach Flip Saunders has been resolute in his desire to obtain a young blue chip player in return for Love. The Bleacher Report notes that neither Gibson or Butler would be described as that. Said the site:
“Gibson is already 29-years-old and has not been a full-time starter since his rookie year. Butler struggled with his increased offensive workload last season, shooting 39.7 percent from the field.”
https://twitter.com/ConradKazNBA/status/491657563063468032
ESPN’s report maintains, however, that Cleveland is “destined” to land Love in a deal that would include a future first-round pick along with the past two No. 1 picks, Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett, heading to Minnesota.
The Cavaliers are closing in on signing Wiggins. If he signs, NBA rules say a deal involving Wiggins can not be officially completed for at least 30 days.
Cleveland could also be looking to add a center.
https://twitter.com/SamAmicoFSO/status/491666184786300930
Golden State may be less of a player than previously thought.
According to the Pioneer Press, their unwillingness to include Klay Thompson in a trade for Love has made them a less likely trading partner.
Denver is also still in the mix, according to the report.
Stay tuned, this story is sure to update again soon.
