NBA Rumors: Kevin Love’s agent telling teams he will become a 2015 free agent
Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love has made it clear that he will not be signing a contract extension with the Timberwolves and will hit free agency in 2015.
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That has caused many to believe the Timberwolves have to trade Love before they lose him for nothing in a year (and they are probably right). However, that may not be so easy. According to Sid Hartman of The Star Tribune, Love’s agent, Jeff Schwartz is telling all teams that he will become a free agent in 2015.
"Apparently Love’s agent is telling teams that Love will enter free agency next season, but financially, Love can make more money staying with the Wolves.“We can sign him to a five-year deal, the last year of his contract would be $27.5 million,” Saunders said. “Anybody that is his number of years serviced in the league, that’s what their contract is. To go sign as a free agent anywhere else, he can only sign for four years, so you’re not getting that fifth year.”Look for Taylor to do everything under the NBA financial rules to keep Love."
If that is true, that could throw a big wrench into the plans of the Timberwolves and the teams that will reportedly make runs at Kevin Love . The Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers will all likely be major players for Love, but without the assurance of a contract extension, teams will be hesitant to make a move.
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.