The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly upped the ante in their pursuit of Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love: rookie Andrew Wiggins and second-year forward Anthony Bennett. Cleveland seemingly put the package together to outbid the Golden State Warriors' trade offer for Love.
Cleveland appears determined to steal Love away from Minnesota to sate superstar LeBron James. The Cavaliers reportedly added Bennett, the 2013 first-overall draft pick, to a trade package that already includes 2014 first-overall pick Wiggins.
"The Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers have discussed a blockbuster trade centered on Kevin Love and the league's past two No. 1 draft picks, league sources told ESPN," Chris Broussard of ESPN wrote Saturday. "In an attempt to add Love, a three-time All-Star, the Cavaliers are willing to part with Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett.
"One source said the Cavs also are willing to give up a first-round draft pick for next season. Any other players involved in the talks are not known."
Disgruntled Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters would seemingly be another possible candidate in the trade discussions.
"General feeling at summer league was that while (Minnesota) likes Wiggins, it will take more to pry Kevin Love loose," Chris Mannix ofSports Illustrated tweeted Thursday. "Waiters, maybe even a pick."
Cleveland's purported willingness to give the 2013 and 2014 No. 1 draft picks to Minnesota appears to be a move to outbid Golden State, who reportedly now are willing to include guard Klay Thompson in a trade package believed to already contain David Lee and Harrison Barnes.
The Boston Celtics and the Houston Rockets reportedly also are trying to acquire Love, but Cleveland and Golden State appear to be the frontrunners in any trade scenarios.
