The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly agreed in principle to a trade swapping Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett for Kevin Love. It's uncertain whether the Philadelphia 76ers and forward Thaddeus Young are involved in the reported deal.
Reports for the last week and half have indicated Cleveland and Minnesota were close to agreeing to a deal, and Thursday a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports confirmed a deal had finally been agreed upon.
"The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports," Wojnarowski wrote Thursday morning. "Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports."
The deal cannot be finalized until Aug. 23, when Wiggins becomes eligible to be traded. Per NBA rules, a rookie cannot be traded until 30 days after he signs his contract - Wiggins signed with Cleveland on July 24.
It's unclear if the Love deal is a three-team trade. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Monday Philadelphia wanted to send Young to Minnesota and take back Bennett, whom Philly reportedly eyed in the 2013 draft before Cleveland took him with the first overall pick.
"Anthony Bennett, who's on the Cavs right now, could get re-routed to Philadelphia in part of a deal for Thaddeus Young," Windhorst said Monday on ESPN Radio, via Sports Illustrated. "There will be draft picks involved, but essentially what you need to know if you're an NBA fan: Kevin Love will end up in Cleveland barring anything unforeseen, and Andrew Wiggins will end up in Minnesota."
Neither team has confirmed the Yahoo Sports report and are unlikely to do so until Aug. 23 at the earliest.
