The Cleveland Cavaliers signed rookie Andrew Wiggins, putting any potential trade for Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love on hold for at least the next 30 days. The decision to sign Wiggins appears to indicate Cleveland no longer believes they can acquire Love.
Cleveland finally signed Wiggins to a rookie contract on Thursday. Per NBA rules, Wiggins cannot be traded until 30 days after the date in which he signed his contract. For Cavaliers fans, that means the Love sweepstakes - at best - is on hold until Aug. 23.
Cleveland appeared to be holding off on signing Wiggins, who's considered a key piece in the team's offer to Minnesota, in order to facilitate a trade with the Timberwolves as quickly as possible. While the decision to sign Wiggins doesn't mean the trade discussions for Love are dead, it does indicate Cleveland no longer believes they can get Love in a timely manner.
Along with Wiggins, the Cavaliers purportedly were offering 2013 first overall pick Anthony Bennett in the trade package to Minnesota. The heavy push for Love reportedly was, at least partly, due to the insistence of superstar LeBron James, who's made it no secret he wants to play with Love in Cleveland.
The signing of Wiggins could mean good news the Golden State Warriors, who were at times considered to be the frontrunners for Love. Golden State's hesitance to include 2-guard Klay Thompson in their trade package is believed to be the only reason Love isn't already in a Warriors jersey.
The Boston Celtics, who presumably have enough assets to entice Minnesota into a trade, and the Houston Rockets also are considered to be contenders in the Love sweepstakes.
Cleveland announced the Wiggins signing on the team website. The Cavaliers also signed second-round pick Joe Harris. Cleveland has limited salary cap space remaining, which they're believed to be saving to sign free agent veteran Ray Allen to a veteran's minimum contract.
