The Minnesota Timberwolves have put themselves in a great position to get maximum value for Kevin Love. By being patient and not unloading Love the minute he said he wanted out, the T-Wolves have created a bidding war for their All-Star forward. In addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Chicago Bulls are also reportedly making a strong push to land Love.
Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst of ESPN report that the Bulls are the Cavs “biggest threat” in the Love sweepstakes.
Sources say that the Bulls, though, have re-entered the race and would appear to be the biggest threats to the Cavs, thanks largely to the Golden State Warriors’ resolute unwillingness to add longtime Wolves target Klay Thompson in any deal.
Although the full extent of the Bulls’ offer wasn’t immediately known, it is believed Minnesota would seek a package from Chicago featuring forward Taj Gibson and defensive ace Jimmy Butler in addition to other assets. The Bulls shelved their Love interest while trying to sign Carmelo Anthony away from the New York Knicks but, according to sources, have re-emerged as contenders.
We can probably assume that the Cavs still have an advantage in that they have the most intriguing player to offer. Andrew Wiggins has the highest ceiling of any player that has been discussed as part of a Love package. Still, one report indicates that the T-Wolves are ready to pull the trigger on the Love-Wiggins deal but the Cavs are unwilling to part with future first-round picks.
If the Bulls are willing to offer first rounders in addition to Gibson and company, Minnesota might be inclined to blow off the Cavs. The Bulls missed out on Carmelo Anthony, so they could get antsy. In all likelihood, the Wolves have the Cavs exactly where they want them. They want Wiggins, and LeBron supposedly wants Love. Getting the Bulls involved can only drive up the price.
