The race to trade for Timberwolves All-Star Kevin Love seems to be heating up.
While the Timberwolves remain content waiting for the right deal, maybe even starting the season with Love on the roster, teams like Cleveland and Golden State are upping the ante in efforts to trade for the three-time All-Star.
Today, Basketball Insiders Yannis Koutroupis is reporting that Golden State is open to the idea of trading shooting guard Klay Thompson.
The Warriors have been trying to acquire Love without letting go of Thompson, but have come off of that stance because Love is willing to exercise his option for the 2015-16 season and put off becoming a free agent next summer according to a source.
David Lee and Harrison Barnes are expected to be a part of the deal as well. No trade is imminent, but the Warriors are willing to do whatever it takes to land Love now – even if that means letting go of a franchise favorite in Thompson.
Do note that Basketball Insiders was spot on when it reported that Minnesota made a promise to draft UCLA guard Zach LaVine if he was available. He was, and LaVine is now impressing fans and coaches at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
Also note that the Thompson reports have routinely said he’s on and off the table. Just two days ago ESPN reported that Golden State isn’t considering involving Thompson in a deal.
On Thursday, it was reported that Cleveland is now willing to part with top pick Andrew Wiggins. That deal would also include 2013 No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett and a future first-round pick, according to the News Herald in Cleveland.
In addition to the Cleveland rumors, LeBron James has reportedly reached out to Love about playing together. Despite all of the action, no talks have been had, according to Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press.
Still no talks have been had between the #Cavs and #Twolves involving Andrew Wiggins. No chatter at all.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) July 18, 2014
All of the new information started coming to life after Wolves owner Glen Taylor told NBA TV that he wants Love to report to training camp with the Wolves. Taylor’s hard stance combined with continued word from head coach/president Flip Saunders that, contrary to popular belief, Minnesota does not feel pressure to trade Love before the season begins, has apparently put teams like in a position to up the ante.
Canis Hoopus wonders if the Warriors and Cavaliers are finally engaging in the bidding war the Wolves have been waiting for.
