The Chicago Bulls have revived trade talks with the Minnesota Timberwolves for All-Star power forward Kevin Love, multiple sources disclosed on Thursday.
Love, who is heavily pursued by the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors, has again piqued the interest of Eastern Conference powerhouse Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN correspondents Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst.
The perennial All-Star and All-NBA power forward has been the hottest name on the trading block ever since he expressed his intention to opt out from the final year of his deal with the Wolves and become a free-agent in 2015.
According to the insiders, the Bulls are willing to send power forwards Taj Gibson, Nicola Mirotic, and defensive specialist Jimmy Butler along with other assets to the Wolves for the 25-year old Love.
"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," ESPN reported on Thursday.
"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."
Love averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds per game in another All-Star year. However, the Timberwolves' failure to advance into the postseason has prompted the former UCLA standout to consider all options - including a chance to join a title contender.
Chicago Bulls general manager Gar Forman did not confirm nor deny their latest foray to acquire Love. However, he admitted that it's his job to talk with other GMs in hope of improving the makeup of their respective team roster.
"Anytime there's something that is available that we feel could improve our team, we've got to take a look at it," Forman said Wednesday on 87.7 FM in Chicago via ESPN. "That's our job. But we like where we're at with the additions that we made."Of course, the Cavaliers remain to be the front runner for Love because of their tempting trade package that includes Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a first-round pick in 2015.
On Tuesday, the Cavs made another move to get more flexibility by dealing guard Carrick Felix, a future second-round pick and cash to the Utah Jazz for the unguaranteed contracts of John Lucas III, Erik Murphy and Malcolm Thomas.
"Making this deal gives the Cavs more roster flexibility and trade assets to make a future move that could be related to acquiring Love. The combined salaries of Lucas, Thomas and Murphy total more than $3 million," ESPN reported.
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