The Golden State Warriors reportedly are unwilling to trade guard Klay Thompson for Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love. The Boston Celtics, meanwhile, reportedly are continuing to pursue trade talks with Minnesota ahead of Thursday's 2014 NBA draft.
Golden State, one of the two teams Love purportedly wants to play for, may not be parting with Thompson after all. Following reports on Thursday indicating the Warriors were willing to deal their 2-guard for Love, ESPN's Chris Broussard cited a source as saying Thompson is safe with Golden State.
"Source: No way GState trading Klay Thompson to Minnesota or the Lakers," Broussard tweeted Sunday night.
Marcus Thompson II of the San Jose Mercury News also casted his doubts about the Warriors trading Thompson in a column published on Thursday.
Broussard, along with ESPN radio analyst Mychal Thompson, who is the father of Klay, both reported on Thursday that Golden State was offering Thompson in a package to Minnesota.
It would bode well for Boston if the Warriors were truly unwilling to move Thompson. Boston, owners of the Nos. 6 and 17 picks in the upcoming draft, have the assets to make dealing Love worthwhile for Minnesota.
Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reported Thursday the Celtics were still pursuing Love.
Boston would seemingly have a legitimate chance of getting Love to sign a long-term extension, thanks to the potential long-term pairing of Love with Celtics star Rajon Rondo. The Celtics also have a number of future first-round picks, which could help them quickly rebuild through the draft or could be used as trade bait to land another quality player.
Love reportedly told Minnesota last month he planned to opt out of his contract next summer, forcing Minnesota to find a trade partner if they don't want him to walk for free after next season.
