NBA Rumors: Knicks hiring Kurt Rambis as assistant could hurt their chances with Kevin Love

Whether it be via a trade or in free agency following next season, some team other than the Minnesota Timberwolves will be acquiring the scoring services of Kevin Love. As is usually the case when any big-name player in the NBA is set to make a move, the New York Knicks will definitely be in the mix in some form or fashion.

Now while the Knicks don’t have a head coach at the moment, it’s expected at some point that Phil Jackson will eventually hire veteran coach Kurt Rambis as an assistant. But according to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, should Jackson bring in Rambis to take up a spot on the bench, that could actually hinder the team’s chances at landing Love.

Rambis was the head coach of the Timberwolves from 2009-11, and to say that he and Love didn’t get along would be an understatement.

Back in the 2011 season when Rambis was still on the hot seat, Love didn’t exactly stick up for his coach when talking to reporters about Rambis’ future, which is usually a death sentence when the star player on the team won’t stick up for someone.

“Whatever happens, happens,” Love told ESPN Twin Cities 1500 back in 2011. “For me, I will be content with it and we will see what goes from here.”

Again, not a ringing endorsement, so Jackson bringing in Rambis to coach wouldn’t be a positive sign to Love that they not only want him in New York, but they want him to be happy.