In the case of the Cleveland Cavaliers, love couldn’t wait anymore, in pulling off perhaps the biggest trade in the franchise’s 40-plus year history.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers have an agreement in principle to send Kevin Love to the Cavs. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, Cleveland will send Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected first round pick to Minneosta in exchange for the three time All-Star.
There is a firm understanding in place that Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and resign with the Cavs on a five-year $120 million-plus contract extension according to league sources.
This deal can’t be finalized until Aug.23 because Wiggins, the No.1 overall pick, cannot be traded until 30 days after signing his rookie contract. In my recent podcast interview with Wojnaroski, he shared that a third team could potentially be involved due to Minnesota wanting to unload contracts of J.J. Barea, Luc Mbah a Moute and Alexey Sheved’s.
However that won’t be happening in this deal.
Cleveland was more motivated to acquire Love when the Eastern Conference rival Chicago Bulls expressed interest in the big man. Love informed the Timberwolves that he has no plans of resigning with the franchise and essentially forced his way out.
Love will be joining four-time MVP LeBron James and the reigning All-Star game MVP Kyrie Irving in Cleveland. The move instantly makes the Cavs a championship favorite along with the additions of sharp shooters Mike Miller and James Jones.
Cleveland has also met with veterans Shawn Marion and Chauncey Billups this week.
Love averaged 26 points and 12.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season. In his first six seasons, he has averaged 19.2 points and 12.2 rebounds.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
