Cavs using Wiggins to bring in some Love

Jay Asser 12:25 19/07/2014
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  • After initially holding Andrew Wiggins out of potential trades for Minnesota Timberwolves star forward Kevin Love, the Cleveland Cavaliers are now reportedly offering the top selection in the recent NBA Draft.

    Since LeBron James announced his decision to join the Cavaliers last Friday, Cleveland and Minnesota have discussed possible trades centred on Love.

    However, the Cavs kept Wiggins off the table while the Timberwolves insisted the 19-year-old prospect be included in any deal.

    Cleveland have since softened their stance with James reportedly reaching out to Love, expressing his desire for them to play together.

    New Cavs head coach David Blatt has publicly stated throughout the past week that Wiggins isn’t going anywhere and will get a chance to take the court alongside James this season.

    After a 96-90 loss to the Houston Rockets yesterday to conclude the Cavs’ Las Vegas Summer League schedule, Blatt remained adamant that Wiggins is there to stay.

    “That’s why they call them rumours,” said Blatt. “Sooner or later, in one’s career, you’re going have to deal with it. So if [Wiggins] has to deal with it now, then so be it. It’s the summer league. He’s learning everything as he goes along.

    “I don’t talk to him about any of that stuff, because, for me, it doesn’t mean anything. At least not right now. You know, that’s the beauty of these games: There’s always something to talk about.”

    Meanwhile, Minnesota owner Glen Taylor stood firm in stating his desire for Love to remain with the Timberwolves, who he’s been with ever since he was drafted fifth overall in 2008.

    “My preference is that Kevin will come to [training] camp – and I’m sure he will – and play with the team,” Taylor said.

    The 25-year-old power forward has made it clear to the franchise that he won’t ink an extension and is unlikely to re-sign when he becomes an unrestricted free agent after next season, citing his intention of going to a team more capable of winning.

    In his six years with Minnesota, the Timberwolves haven’t made the playoffs.

    Love is a three-time All-Star and has earned All-NBA Second Team honours twice, including for this past season when he was fourth in the league in scoring at 26.1 points per game and third in rebounding with 12.5 boards.

    While Love could potentially walk away next summer and leave Minnesota with no assets in return, Taylor, along with head coach and team president Flip Saunders, could force him to do so if they feel the trade offers they’re receiving are underwhelming.

    “We are going to look at everything that makes sense that would make our team better,” added Taylor. “But we are not going to move a superb player like [Love] without getting equal or more value back.”

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