NBA Rumors: 12 teams tried to trade with Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Love
By Sam Richmond
Kevin Love is one of the NBA’s best players, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that many teams were interested in trading for his services when it was basically made known that he had no interest in re-signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves once his contract expired in 2015.
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But just how many teams called the Wolves to make a run at the big man? ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has the details:
"In all, more than 12 teams reached out to the Wolves to make some sort of offer for Love. Some were non-starters, some were legit. The Golden State Warriors got the closest and could’ve removed the Cavs from the equation before they ever were able to make their best offer. But the Warriors and Wolves couldn’t find a deal and neither could anyone else, buying the Cavs what turned out to be some extremely valuable time."
Although 12 teams made an effort to pursue a Love trade, the Cavaliers and Warriors appeared to be the only two threats to acquire the all-star once LeBron James signed with Cleveland.
But the Warriors reportedly were never willing to part with shooting guard Klay Thompson, giving Cleveland the upper hand in talks.
The Cavs will now enter next season with a Big Three no other team in the NBA can match with LeBron, Love and point guard Kyrie Irving.
Love averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds in his final season with Minnesota. He will wear No. 0 with the Cavaliers.