The Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly are only considering the Cleveland Cavaliers as a potential trade partner for a deal involving Kevin Love. ESPN reported potential suitors, such as the Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls, are no longer in contention to land the All-Star power forward.
The Kevin Love sweepstakes appears to have narrowed down to one team.
"The Minnesota Timberwolves presently are engaged in serious Kevin Love trade talks with no teams other than the Cleveland Cavaliers, which only adds to the growing belief around the league that Love teaming up with LeBron James is inevitable, according to sources briefed on the situation," ESPN's Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst wrote Wednesday.
Stein and Windhorst added both teams are continuing to discuss a potential trade framework and are considering the possibility of adding players to the deal or bringing in a third team.
If Cleveland and Minnesota do reach an agreement for Love, the deal is unlikely to be completed until Aug. 23, when Cavaliers rookie Andrew Wiggins become eligible to be traded. Wiggins, the No. 1 pick of the 2014 draft and the purported centerpiece of any deal for Love, signed his rookie contract last week and, per NBA rules, cannot be traded until 30 days after the day he signed.
In addition to Wiggins, reports indicate the deal will likely include 2013 first overall pick Anthony Bennett and a future first-round pick.
Cleveland's addition of superstar LeBron James piqued Love's interest in playing long-term with the Cavaliers, although the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Love still plans to opt out of his contract next season in hope of securing a maximum deal.
