Although trade talks between the Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves have stalled, Celtics president Danny Ainge reportedly is still trying to complete a deal for star Kevin Love.
Boston's stock of assets made them a likely trade partner for Minnesota prior to the draft, but no deal came to fruition and Boston ended up drafting guard Marcus Smart with the No. 6 pick. While Boston and Minnesota haven't talked trades in more than week, according to the Boston Globe, Ainge remains hopeful he can assemble a trade package to bring Love to Boston.
"... (A) league source said Monday that president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is attempting to gather assets to acquire Kevin Love, convinced he can devise a package that would entice Minnesota Timberwolves president Flip Saunders to move the three-time All-Star, who will be a free agent next season," Gary Washburn of The Globe wrote on Tuesday. "... According to two NBA sources, Ainge has been dogged in his pursuit of Love, and several agents believe he has the creativity to put together an attractive package."
Ainge admitted there haven't been any recent discussions between him and Minnesota's front office, and with the exception of re-signing guard Avery Bradley, the Celtics have been quiet in free agency.
Love purportedly told the Timberwolves after the season he would opt out of his contract next summer, presumably to give the organization time to find a deal that would make trading him worthwhile.
The Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls are believed to be among the teams interested in acquiring Love. Golden State reportedly came close last month to completing a trade for Love with a package that purportedly included guard Klay Thompson and David Lee.
The NBA moratorium ends on July 10.
