While the Minnesota Timberwolves appear willing to trade star Kevin Love, they reportedly want more than just Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Andrew Wiggins included in the deal. With the Golden State Warriors still in contention, recent reports indicate Cleveland may include either guard Dion Waiters or forward Anthony Bennett in the trade.
Cleveland and Golden State appear to be the frontrunners in the Love sweepstakes. With a number of teams eying the All-Star forward, Minnesota purportedly is asking a high price for him.
"General feeling at summer league was that while (Minnesota) likes Wiggins, it will take more to pry Kevin Love loose," Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated tweeted Thursday. "Waiters, maybe even a pick."
The Cavaliers and the Warriors are in a game of showmanship, trying to one-up each other. Cleveland changed their stance on Wiggins being untouchable and on Thursday reportedly put the rookie swingman on the table.
Golden State, who purportedly came close to acquiring Love before deciding not to trade guard Klay Thompson, responded shortly after by reportedly including the talented shooting guard in a trade package with forwards David Lee and Harrison Barnes.
Not to be outbid, Cleveland reportedly came back Friday with a new offer: Wiggins and Bennett, according to ESPN.
Bennett was a bust in his rookie season last year, but he is still young and has upside. The proposed trade would give Minnesota the two No. 1 picks of the 2013 and 2014 drafts, which could be too hard to pass up.
Landing Love seemingly is an effort to appease superstar LeBron James, who reportedly is pushing the organization to do whatever necessary to acquire Love before next season.
The Boston Celtics, who have a treasure chest of assets to offer Minnesota, and the Houston Rockets, who don't have much in the way of assets to offer, both are also trying to trade for Love.
