Kevin Love Trade Rumors: Cleveland Remains Frontrunner After Signing Andrew Wiggins
The Kevin Love trade rumors may be taking a bit of a break after likely partner Cleveland Cavaliers signed Andrew Wiggins, closing the window for a potential deal for at least a month.
The Cavs have been angling to land the All Star forward from the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Wolves have reportedly been seeking Wiggins in demand. Although the Cavs initially declined to deal Wiggins, sources say they have since come around to the idea of trading this year’s No. 1 overall pick.
The Cavs are trying to assemble a title contender centered on LeBron James, who rejoined Cleveland this summer after opting out of his contract with the Miami Heat. They have already added Mike Miller, one of LeBron’s favorite teammates in Miami, and are closing in on Love to add scoring and rebounding.
But the Kevin Love trade will now have to wait at least a little longer. This week Wiggins signed his rookie contract, which kicked off a 30-day period in which he cannot be traded.
Though league sources have also indicated that the Wolves are higher on a package that includes Wiggins than any other current offer, the window is now open for other teams to try to entice the Wolves to act. The Chicago Bulls have reportedly jumped into the Kevin Love sweepstakes, but they too may have to wait after signing sharpshooter Doug McDermott and top European prospect Nikola Mirotic.
The Bulls did not publicly address the Kevin Love trade rumors, but Bulls general manager Gar Forman did say the team plans to be active in the offseason.
“Anytime there’s something that is available that we feel could improve our team, we’ve got to take a look at it,” Forman told 87.7 FM in Chicago. “That’s our job. But we like where we’re at with the additions that we made.”
The Golden State Warriors have also been bidding for Love, but have been steadfast about dealing sharpshooter Klay Thompson, leaving the trade unlikely.
The Kevin Love trade may already be completed. It is legal for teams to come to agreements in principle during the 30-day waiting period, but nothing can be announced publicly.
