The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly trying to work a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves for All-Star power forward Kevin Love, a source close to situation reported on Thursday.
The Cavaliers, who are suddenly in the mix to land LeBron James this summer, are pushing hard to get Love from the Timberwolves. The Cavs's pursuit of the double-double machine is no surprise, given the front office's plan in forming a Big Three consists of James, Love and point guard Kyrie Irving.
However, trading for Love would be a risk for the Cavaliers, as the Timberwolves demand multiple assets - including the first overall pick in the 2014 Draft (Andrew Wiggins). Another potential drawback in the trade is Love's preference to sign an extension with the Cavs, only if they managed to get back James' service.
"Cavaliers are pursuing a Kevin Love trade with Minnesota, contingent on the signing of LeBron James, league sources tell Yahoo Sports," NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski posted on his Twitter account.
"The Timberwolves will demand Andrew Wiggins, the Cavs' No. 1 overall pick from last month's NBA draft, be a part of any proposed deal."
Cavs Making Moves
The Cavaliers have been making a series of moves to free up cap space and accommodate huge contracts such as that of LeBron, who demand a max deal starting at $20 million.
The Cavs were previously considered an outsider looking in several weeks ago, with the Miami Heat confident in keeping the four-time NBA MVP. However, a meeting with LeBron's agent Rich Paul and Cavs executives might have changed the complexion of the whole free-agency.
Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops reported on Wednesday about LeBron's plan to make a Cavs return, as reported by a league source. The insider believe there's 90 percent chance James will be back in Cavs uniform after spending four seasons with the Heat.
"A plugged-in source tells me there is a 90 percent chance that LeBron James will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it will be announced on www.lebronjames.com if it happens," via Sheridan Hoops.
"That is my latest intelligence, and it comes from the same league source who told me Monday that he felt there was a 75 percent chance James returns to his original NBA team."
If this happens, the trio of James, Irving and possibly Love would easily make the Cavs a title contender in a weakened Eastern Conference. The Cavs will still have assets such as multiple first-round picks in the next two years and talented youngster like Dion Waiters, Anthony Bennette and Tristan Thompson.
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