The one big-name currently on the NBA trade market that everyone seems to be talking about lately is star forward Kevin Love.
At 25-years-old, Love is entering his prime and only seems to be improving with every passing season. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the Minnesota Timberwolves with the franchise failing to make the playoffs since drafting Love out of UCLA back in 2008.
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With the Timberwolves seemingly going nowhere and Love itching to play for a competitive squad, the writing is on the wall in Minnesota with the three-time All-Star ready to leave the team in free agency next summer.
The New York Knicks have been mentioned as potential destination for Love and the team’s chances of landing him in free agency may have improved with his recent comments. Love said the following about Phil Jackson and the Knicks, according to ESPN:
“I think any time you have Phil Jackson involved in any organization, you’re going to definitely look at it and it’s definitely intriguing,” Love said. “The Knicks are definitely a place where anybody would like to go.”
With the Knicks not having any real trade assets that could potentially intrigue the Timberwolves, New York landing Love in free agency may be the only course of action for Jackson and company. Unfortunately for New York, the Los Angeles Lakers will also be gunning for the star forward next summer with hopes of bringing Love back to the West Coast and the city of Los Angeles where he played during his college days.
Love also took the safe approach during his appearance on SportsNation saying the following about his status:
“My agent is handling everything at this point … I’m hoping that everything works out for all parties involved,” Love said during an appearance on ESPN’s “SportsNation.”
As of right now, there appears to be no clear cut favorite for Love’s services. Minnesota may elect to trade the star forward to any team that offers the right trade package, and that will likely not be the Lakers or Knicks.
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The Sacramento Kings might actually be a likely destination with the trade assets to get a deal done. The team is also rumored to not care if Love doesn’t guarantee signing with the Kings long-term in order to make the trade.
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