The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly are pursuing a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves for star Kevin Love, contingent on Cleveland being able to sign free agent LeBron James. The trade, which will depend on signing James and likely include rookie Andrew Wiggins, was reported by both Cleveland television host Tony Rizzo and Yahoo Sports.
Cleveland agreed to a three-team trade Wednesday in an effort to create sufficient salary cap space to sign James. The next stage of their plan, assuming they can convince James to return, includes making a blockbuster trade to acquire Love.
Rizzo first reported the trade offer.
"(Cavs) have an offer on the table to Minnesota for Kevin Love," Rizzo tweeted on Wednesday. "The ball is in Minnesota's court."
Adrian Wojnarowski later confirmed the report.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers are pursuing a trade for Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Kevin Love contingent on the signing of LeBron James, league sources told Yahoo Sports," Wojnarowski wrote Wednesday night. "The Timberwolves will demand Andrew Wiggins, the Cavs' No. 1 overall pick from last month's NBA draft, be a part of any proposed deal, sources told Yahoo Sports."
Love presumably would agree to a long-term extension in Cleveland only if James was there. Although the Miami Heat are the favorites to re-sign the four-time MVP, Cleveland does have a more talented cast to support James.
James met with Heat president Pat Riley in Las Vegas on Wednesday. No decisions or counteroffers were made at the meeting, according to ESPN. James also reportedly will not meet with any other teams and instead will take the next couple days to discuss his impending decision with his family.
Free agency, for the most part, is at a standstill as teams and players wait for James's decision. Top free agents Carmelo Anthony and Pau Gasol reportedly will not make a decision until after James announces where he will sign.
