The Philadelphia 76ers, believed to be part of the three-team Kevin Love trade, reportedly now wants something else from the deal. Philadelphia's supposed discontent with dealing Thaddeus Young for Anthony Bennett could stall the trade between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves, which was expected to be completed over the weekend.
The framework of the initial deal purportedly included Andrew Wiggins, a Cavaliers future first-round pick and Young going to Minnesota, Bennett to Philadelphia and Love to Cleveland. The trade, which Timbewolves owner Glen Taylor said would likely be done on Aug. 23 or Aug. 24, though, may now be in jeopardy.
Word is 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie now wants the Cavaliers' first-round pick, according to Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune.
With the trade believed to be days away, Hinkie's seemingly new demand could either stall or completely derail the purported deal due to Minnesota's desire to win now and replace Love with Young.
One possibility, albeit unlikely to be accepted, is Cleveland offering power forward Tristan Thompson to Minnesota. Thompson is still on his team-friendly rookie deal and would save Minnesota the headache next summer of trying to re-sign Young, who can opt out of his contract in July.
Thompson isn't on par - yet, at least - with Young, and it's uncertain if Minnesota even has any interest in the 23-year-old. Still, it's no secret the Cavaliers would be willing to part with Thompson if they land Love.
"The Cavs never seemed to hesitate to put him in the Love deal, but that's because they apparently want to contend right away," Hoops Rumors' Myron wrote Monday. "I actually think the Love swap makes it less likely the Cavs will come to a new deal with Thompson, since there's little reason to keep two highly paid power forwards around. Thompson is a starter in this league, and he'll have to go somewhere else to do that."
UPDATE (5:35 p.m.): Kevin Love trade on schedule, specific details reported.
