Source: Kevin Love to Cleveland; Andrew Wiggins to Minnesota Agreed Upon
No one’s getting credit for this one. For weeks now a Kevin Love trade has been expected and according to many outlets his departure from Minnesota is on it’s way.
For weeks now Hoops Hype Canada has been reporting that an Andrew Wiggins trade was coming, and only a couple weeks ago it was reported by this site on Twitter that Wiggins would be heading to Minnesota in exchange for Love.
No twitter handle on globe wanted to see 4 #CdnBallers in Ohio more then us but sources are be all. Wiggins trade coming. Heard it here 1st!
— Hoops Hype Canada (@HoopsHypeCA) July 22, 2014
ESPN broke out on Monday night, reporting the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers have come to a ‘handshake agreement’ regarding a Love trade. Due to Wiggins signing his rookie contract on July 24th the 2014 first overall pick can’t be traded till August 23rd.
Glen Taylor, owner of the Wolves and Flip Saunders, President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach of the team didn’t have plans to trade their ’08 fifth overall pick, but the organization has come to realize that Love will not re-sign with the team after the ’14-’15 season.
Taylor told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he expects Love to be traded August 23rd or 24th, the same dates Wiggins is eligible to be traded.
ESPN also reported late last week that the Wolves have interest in Philadelphia 76ers forward Thaddeus Young. Making the Sixers a possible third team in the Love trade. It is unclear if the Sixers will be a third team in the trade, but a source close to the situation has said that with still a few weeks before the agreement of the trade both the Wolves and Sixers are discussing a possible agreement between each other.
A two team trade between the Wolves and Cavaliers would send Love to Cleveland and Wiggins along with ’13 first overall pick Anthony Bennett to Minnesota. With the Wolves interest in Young, Bennett would then be shipped to Philadelphia in a three team trade.
The Wolves are also looking to trade the contracts of point guard J.J. Barea and shooting guard Kevin Martin. It’s unclear if Philadelphia with their cap space are willing to agree to take both Barea and Martin. Draft picks would need to be included.
Still many details of the trade are unknown but to no one’s surprise Love will be traded before the season begins. Once August 23rd hits the Wolves will announce the trade within 48 hours. Love to Cleveland, Wiggins to Minnesota and many other details still to come.