After failing to land Carmelo Anthony in free agency, the Chicago Bulls reportedly have re-entered the Kevin Love trade sweepstakes. Although the Cleveland Cavaliers are considered the frontrunners for the Minnesota Timberwolves star, ESPN reports Chicago is making a late push to land Love.
Chicago's big splash in free agency was signing Pau Gasol, but the team reportedly isn't yet finished.
"...The Chicago Bulls are making a late push to try to get into the trade mix for the All-Star power forward, according to sources close to the process," ESPN's Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst wrote Tuesday. "... (The Bulls) have re-entered the race and would appear to be the biggest threat to the Cavs thanks largely to the Golden State Warriors' resolute unwillingness to add longtime Wolves target Klay Thompson in any deal.
"Although the full extent of the Bulls' offer wasn't immediately known, it is believed Minnesota would seek a package from Chicago featuring forward Taj Gibson and defensive ace Jimmy Butler in addition to other assets."
ESPN labeled Chicago as "contenders" for Love, who reportedly considers Chicago a preferred destination.
Cleveland, though, appears the most likely team to get Love. The Cavaliers purportedly are willing to offer Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett - the 2014 and 2014 No. 1 overall picks, respectively - in exchange for Love.
Stein and Windhorst reported Cleveland is "confident" of their chances of enticing Minnesota into a trade and believe they are "progressing" toward setting a framework for the potential deal.
Cleveland also appears to have a high chance of convincing Love, whose contract expires next summer, to sign a long-term extension. Love purportedly became intrigued by the idea of playing for the Cavaliers after the team managed to sign superstar LeBron James in free agency.
James reportedly is actively recruiting Love to Cleveland.
