NBA Rumors: Boston Celtics appealing to Kevin Love
At one point, it looked like the Boston Celtics or Chicago Bulls could be the favorites to land Minnesota Timberwolves’ star power forward Kevin Love.
More from Boston Celtics
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- Jaylen Brown signs richest contract in NBA history without a left hand
- Boston Celtics projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
- David Griffin thanks rival Celtics for leverage in Anthony Davis trade talks
- NBA rumors: Damian Lillard trade becoming more trouble than it’s worth for Celtics
However, lately, it looks like the Denver Nuggets or Golden State Warriors could be the favorites. The Nuggets are reportedly offering forward Kenneth Faired, swingman Wilson Chandler and the 11th-overall pick in next week’s draft while taking back the contract of guard Kevin Martin for Love. The Warriors are apparently ready to give up guard Klay Thompson. The two sides have supposedly talked about a deal that would send Thompson, power forward David Lee and possibly forwards Harrison Barnes or Draymond Green for Love and Martin.
Of course, it may be tough for a team to trade for Love with a contract extension or promise that he would re-sign. Although Love would likely wind up remaining in Golden State, there may be other places he’d rather be.
According to Marc Stein, Boston remains an appealing destination for Love.
"Boston, meanwhile, is a destination that holds some appeal to Love, but the strength of the Celtics’ offer is their reported willingness to surrender two first-rounders in Thursday’s draft (Nos. 6 and 17) in addition to a veteran such as Jeff Green or a younger player such as Kelly Olynyk or Jared Sullinger. Many rival teams believe Saunders wants players in return for Love who can produce right away."
Love averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game last season while shooting 45.7% from the field, 37.6% from three and 82.1% from the charity stripe.