Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love is reportedly eying the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers as possible destinations once he becomes eligible to become a free agent in July 2015. If Love appears certain to leave in free agency, the Timberwolves could look to trade the All-Star next season.
It seems to be a foregone conclusion that Love will leave Minnesota after the 2014-15 season. Although Love's contract is still year-and-a-half away from expiring (assuming he opts out), speculation is already brewing about where the talented big man will land. Love reportedly wants to sign with the Lakers, but a new report indicates he's interested in the Knicks as well.
"Love, in the top four this season in scoring and rebounding, is said to be favoring the Lakers or the Knicks in free agency in 2015 when both will have money for perhaps two free agents," Sam Smith of Bulls.com wrote on Monday.
Love's reported interest in signing with the Knicks is likely contingent on Carmelo Anthony remaining in the Big Apple. Assuming Anthony re-signs with New York this summer, Love could prefer joining a superstar in his prime as opposed to one in the twilight of his career.
Still, according to a report from Ken Berger of CBS Sports, "everyone knows" Love wants to sign with the Lakers in 2015. Smith's report is the first mention of Love having interest in the Knicks.
If Minnesota feels they have no chance of re-signing Love, they could look to trade him before July 2015 to get something if he's intent on leaving. Love could be traded as early as this offseason or as late as next season's trade deadline; Minnesota could also try to push their luck and look for a sign-and-trade when Love presumably opts after next season.
Love's player option for the 2015-16 season is worth $16.7 million.
