Former Timberwolves star Kevin Love may not be sticking around in Cleveland long.
All season long Love has denied rumors and reports that he would test free agency in the offseason. But that hasn’t stopped them – and his injury during the playoffs may have changed his thinking.
Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski said he believes Love is going to look around in free agency. Sheridan Hoops transcribed Wojnarowski’s interview on Yahoo Sports radio.
“I think he’s going to look around. I think he’s going to look closely at Boston. I think he’ll look at L.A. I’m sure the Texas teams are going to try and get involved.
If you remember, he really liked Kevin McHale in Minnesota. Would he fit potentially in Houston? It seems like every summer, they have the ability to go out and create a max slot, and they do this summer again. They know they have the option to do that.”
If Love were to choose the Rockets he would be reunited with McHale, who drafted him when he was the Timberwolves general manager. Pro Basketball Talk also notes that Houston faces an interesting offseason and Rockets G.M. Daryl Morey has a history of going after the big name free agent.
The Wolves traded love to Cleveland last offseason for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and Thaddeus Young.
While Love’s teammates are playing for an NBA championship, he has missed the majority of his first postseason because of a shoulder injury that he suffered in the first round.
So what kind of effect would Love’s departure have on Cleveland? Maybe not much. Since Love’s injury, Tristan Thompson has really emerged, to the point where he may have the support of LeBron James.
The Star Tribune’s Michael Rand notes some of James’ comments place him in Thompson’s corner.
“Tristan should probably be a Cavalier for his whole career. … This guy is 24 years old. He’s played in 340-plus straight games, and he’s gotten better every single season. It’s almost like what more can you ask out of a guy, even though we ask for more out of him.”
Love has until June 30 to notify the Cavs of his plans.
