The Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets reportedly are among a number of teams who plan to pursue Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love. Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, meanwhile, insisted Love wouldn't be traded before the upcoming 2014 NBA draft.
Love, who reportedly told Minnesota over the weekend he would opt out of his contract next summer, created the possibility he could be traded this offseason. He wants to play for a playoff contender and reportedly is interested in Chicago and the Golden State Warriors.
ESPN reports the All-Star, however, won't be short on suitors. In addition to Chicago and Golden State, the Phoenix Suns, Lakers, Knicks and Rockets are "hot" for Love. The Lakers and the Knicks were reported throughout the season as the two most likely destinations for him, and a CBS Sports report indicated everybody in the league knows Love wants to be a Laker.
Before this weekend, the Timberwolves were confident about their chances of re-signing Love and had no plans to deal him. In the aftermath of Love reportedly telling the team he wants to test free agency, Minnesota's stance apparently changed -- the Associated Press cited two unnamed sources who said Minnesota's position in regard to trading Love has softened.
While Minnesota is likely to be bombarded with trade offers, the organization isn't in a hurry to get rid of their star just yet.
"Not by the draft," Taylor told the Minnesota Star Tribune on Sunday when asked about the possibility of trading Love.
The asking price for Love, according to the Associated Press, is believed to be a high first-round pick in the draft and at least one veteran who could bring leadership to the locker room. Trading Love in the offseason would ensure the Timberwolves get the highest price for him.
