Kevin Love Trade: 5 Best Potential Destinations

4. Boston Celtics:

If the Timberwolves were committed to a complete rebuild, the Boston Celtics would be a no-brainer trade partner. The Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers have been stockpiling draft picks like nuclear arms during the Cold War and with a collection of future first and second round draft picks to offer, Boston could give Minnesota its best chance at a complete roster overhaul.

Following a three-team trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets, the Celtics quietly put themselves in a better position to acquire Kevin Love. By adding Tyler Zeller, Boston either got an intriguing new trade chip for the Wolves or they got someone who will soften the blow of the departure of Jared Sullinger or Kelly Olynyk should Minnesota demand those more attractive assets.

The Celtics also received Marcus Thornton, an Irrational Confidence Guy off the bench, they nabbed yet another first rounder and in the 2014 NBA Draft, they added James Young and Marcus Smart. The Celtics will be hesitant to trade Smart, but Young should be fully available. Add that to a bevy of draft picks and it’s easy to see how a potential deal could include tons of young and future talent. That being said, president of basketball operations Flip Saunders is also the team’s head coach and doesn’t want to take the long path back to recovery following Love’s departure. For a team that wants to win now, the Wolves can do better than Boston as a trade partner. Boston would also have to be careful and hope Love enjoys playing with Rajon Rondo, because otherwise he’d be gone after one year.