Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love is expected to opt out of his contract in 2015 regardless of whether he is traded. Love's purported intent to not opt in next season reportedly is OK with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who believe playing alongside superstar LeBron James will be enough to convince Love to re-sign.
Cleveland remains in contention to acquire Love from Minnesota, and Love reportedly still wants to play for Cleveland. The most recent holdup, however, is the potential trade being stalled until Aug. 23, when Cavaliers rookie Andrew Wiggins -- the purported centerpiece of any trade with Minnesota -- will be eligible to be traded.
As for Love, the latest report indicates the All-Star power forward plans to exercise his player option in 2015 to opt out and become a free agent regardless of whether he is traded or kept. Despite the possibility of essentially renting Love for a season, the Cavaliers are still pursuing the trade and reportedly are confident they can convince Love to stay long-term.
"I'm hearing Love will not pick up his option -- that he would prefer to go to the Cavs on his current deal, then presumably enjoy being successful playing with LeBron James," Terry Pluto if the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote Saturday. "... I'm hearing the Cavs realize they may have to accept Love's current deal and gamble on him enjoying playing in Cleveland and with James. Then they will try to sign him for a maximum deal in 2015."
Pluto also mentioned a few additional pieces of information: 1) Love has done a commercial with Cavs star Kyrie Irving and sees marketing potential in Cleveland, 2) the Cavs haven't spoken to Minnesota about Love in at least a week, and 3) Minnesota wants to win now and not wait on Wiggins to mature into an All-Star.
The Golden State Warriors are considered Cleveland's biggest competition for Love. The Chicago Bulls, the Houston Rockets and the Boston Celtics also reportedly are vying for him.
