NBA Rumors: Kings willing to trade for Kevin Love even if he doesn’t re-sign

Among the many teams rumored to be in the race for Kevin Love include the Lakers and Cavaliers, but one dark-horse candidate has thrown their hat into the mix. According to Marc Spears of Yahoo, the Kings have let the Timberwolves know that they are willing to trade for Kevin Love.

The Kings have a host of assets, starting with the 8th pick in this year’s draft, which they’ve made available, as well as some younger players on their roster, save for DeMarcus Cousins.

"The Kings are willing to give up their eighth overall pick in this year’s NBA draft and a combination of players for Love, even though he would not be expected to sign a contract extension before next season – if ever, with the rebuilding, small-market franchise, the source said. Sacramento envisions Love and DeMarcus Cousins playing alongside each other in the front court."

In terms of assets, the Kings have many with Derrick Williams, Ben McLemore, and possible sign-and-trade options in Isiah Thomas and Jimmer Fredette. Add that with their pick this year and a handful of draft picks available to trade, the Kings could make a serious bid on Love.

Love is expected to sign with a contender next summer, but the prospects of a Cousins-Love front court is intriguing and has captured the imaginations of the Kings front office. Pair with the possibility of Rudy Gay accepting his player option an they have a dynamic front court and a possible playoff team next season.

For Minnesota, two potential top ten picks would be hard to pass up, but the Kings are one of many teams offering up a top ten pick, but don’t have the prospects of other teams, making a possible trade hard to Sacramento difficult.