The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly convinced the Cleveland Cavaliers to include Andrew Wiggins in a deal for Kevin Love.
There is no deal in place yet, but USA Today has learned that the Cavs willingness to part ways with the incredibly talented Wiggins has boosted their chances of landing Love. Cavs general manager, David Griffin, had previously been adamant that he would not be willing to deal the first overall pick in this year’s NBA draft.
It is understandable why the Cavs would not want to part with Wiggins, as he is the most hyped player to enter the league in recent years. However, it is a deal the Cavaliers have to make happen, if they can, as the addition of Love would likely make them the early favorites to win the NBA championship next year.
The Cavaliers have a nice young core of players, which includes all-star point guard Kyire Irving, so they were in position to build for the future when they drafted Wiggins back on June 26. However, Lebron James’ decision to come back to Cleveland has derailed any plans of building for the future, as James only signed a two-year deal. The Cavaliers have to be in a ‘win now’ mentality. If Love does come to Cleveland, they will have at least two seasons with a realistic shot of winning their first NBA title in franchise history.
Love is one of the NBA’s best scorers and rebounders, however, he has failed to lead the Timberwolves to the playoffs in each of his first six seasons in the league. Love has one year remaining on his contract, and the Cavs would only trade Wiggins if they knew for sure Love would resign after the 2014-2015 season.
Lebron and Love were teammates on Team USA when they won gold at the 2012 Beijing Olympics. According to SB Nation, Lebron has reached out to Love to express his desire to play with him again.
Cleveland.com has pointed out some of the potential roadblocks if the Cavs are to try and make the trade for Love a reality. For one, Love is to make $15.7 million next year compared to Wiggins’ $4.6 million, so other players will have to be included to make it work. The Timberwolves also want future first round picks in any deal for their top commodity.
They may have to give up a lot, but if they can get Love, it will be worth it for the Cavaliers. Cleveland has gone 49 years since last winning a championship in a major sport. A Big 3 of Lebron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving would be their best chance to put an end to that.