Kevin Love rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers still expected to land Love
The Cleveland Cavaliers planned to continue to build around their young talent that includes three former number one overall picks in point guard Kyrie Irving (2011), forward Anthony Bennett (2013) and swingman Andrew Wiggins (2014) and two former number four overall picks in big man Tristan Thompson (2011) and guard Dion Waiters (2012).
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However, now that forward LeBron James is back in Cleveland, they have a chance to instantly become contenders which is why there has been so much speculation about a potential trade of Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love to the Cavaliers in a deal that would likely involve both Wiggins and Bennett. However, the Timberwolves are in no rush to deal Love – they can hang on to him until the trade deadline so just because talks don’t seem to be progressing at the moment doesn’t mean they won’t pick up steam.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders expects a deal will eventually get done.
"I think so. It makes the most sense for the long term. I know the Wolves are battling the idea of winning now versus stepping backwards for a year or two and banking on Wiggins being a star, that’s a tough sell to the guys who prepared for a competitive season. Also tough for Flip who wants to win now.I don’t speculate on trades in chats, it becomes “Steve Kyler said this is going to happen…” And gets taken out of context, so unless it’s something actively under consideration or something I have heard as possible I steer clear of it."
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 last season. Bennett averaged 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 35.6% from the field, 24.5% from beyond the arc and 63.8% from the free throw line. Wiggins averaged 17.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game for the Jayhawks last season while shooting 44.8% from the field, 34.1% from beyond the arc and 77.5% from the free throw line.
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