The Cavs and Timberwolves have a handshake agreement on a Kevin Love deal, per @WindhorstESPN: http://t.co/aUfvYCszKr pic.twitter.com/7fSqQs4oW7
— SB Nation (@SBNation) August 4, 2014
A Monday night report is suggesting that the Timberwolves and Cavaliers have agreed to a trade package that would send Kevin Love to Cleveland for Andrew Wiggins.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on Stephen A. Smith’s radio show that the teams have a “handshake deal” in place. The teams can’t pull the trigger on the trade until Aug. 23, because the league prohibits teams from trading rookies within 30 days of them signing their contracts.
Windhorst gave himself a few outs, but added that the Wolves could also end up with Thad Young from the 76ers in the process or in a separate trade.
“Before now and then could something happen? Could some team come in with a trade that maybe Minnesota see? Yes, it could happen, so therefore it is not done. But essentially, before the papers have been signed there is a handshake agreement that [would send] Kevin Love to the Cavs, Andrew Wiggins to the Timberwolves, and I believe Thaddeus Young will end up in Minnesota either as part of the deal or a separate deal.”
According to Windhorst, last year’s first overall pick, Anthony Bennett, could end up in Philadelphia and draft picks may also be involved. None of the teams involved can confirm the deal, though.
Nobody involved is willing to admit if a handshake agreement exists like @WindhorstESPN says. But Love to Cavs remains a great bet. #twolves
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 5, 2014
So what could mess it up between now and Aug. 23?
Both Chicago and Golden State have also been tied to Love. But SB Nation reports that Chicago can’t offer the Timberwolves a player with the perceived long-term potential of Wiggins and Golden State has been hesitant to include Klay Thompson in a package for Love.
Wolves owner Glen Taylor has been opposed to trading the three-time All-Star most of the offseason. But over the weekend, he softened that stance in an interview with the Pioneer Press.
Taylor told the newspaper that Love would likely be dealt near the end of August.
