Apr 4, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) is pressured by Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Minnesota Timberwolves won in 2 overtimes 122-121. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Breaking News to Pippen Ain’t Easy! The sky is blue, water is wet and Kevin Love was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Well it has happened again. Another superstar has forced his way out of town to a team that he wants to play for. After making it crystal clear that he was not going to be around after the opt out year of his contract, Kevin Love barring some unforeseen major problems will be traded to Cleveland on August 23rd.
According to Yahoo! Sports, the Minnesota Timberwolves have traded Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for No.1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins, last year’s No.1 overall pick Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first round pick. It is important to note that this deal is done in principle only. This trade cannot be finalized until August 23rd, when the 30 day period of when Andrew Wiggins was signed to a contract expires.
One of the major questions surrounding the Kevin Love trade deal was cleared up when Love made the commitment to opt out of his contract in 2015 and resign with the Cavaliers. If that is done, the contract will be worth $120 million over five years.
Another question surrounding this deal was about LeBron James’ contract. Reports surfaced that Love might be put off by the deal LeBron James signed this summer. It only spans two seasons with a player option to return to free agency this upcoming summer.
Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor basically let the cat out of the bag when he told the St. Paul Pioneer Press over the weekend that a trade was “likely” by August 23rd or 24th. That is right around the time Wiggins is eligible to be traded. Andrew Wiggins did some talking as well over the weekend. Wiggins told ESPN on Sunday that he just wants to play in a place where he’s wanted.
"“I just want to play for a team that wants me. So whichever team wants me I’ll play for”"
Well Andrew, both teams want you. The problem Wiggins just got caught up in the mix of NBA business. The Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to keep Wiggins, but this deal could not be passed up. Wiggins was the biggest asset that Minnesota wanted out of Cleveland. In America, you don’t give, you don’t get. Andrew Wiggins’ potential at this stage of the game cannot compare to the proven ability of Kevin Love. Kevin Love’s ability to rebound, pass finish at the rim with long-range ability is a perfect complement to LeBron James’ game.
With Kevin Love having his bags packed basically since last year’s trade deadline, the Timberwolves had to do two things.
1) Make a deal for Kevin Love getting back as many assets as possible.
2) Make a deal good enough to sell to the season ticket holders. All four of them.
Under the difficult circumstances that Minnesota faced, their goals were accomplished. Granted the team will stink but at least the team can sell potential and having the last two No.1 overall picks and a future first round draft pick. That won’t keep the fans from booing, but at least they won’t throw rotten fruit…yet.
When this deal goes down, Cleveland on paper has to be ranked as the favorite to win the Eastern Conference. That should make the Cavs fans happy considering that Cleveland only did it once in LeBron’s first seven years with the franchise.
Other facts that seem to apply…
Kevin Love was an All-Star for three of his last four seasons. He averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game last season.
Love becomes the fifth player in NBA history and the first since Shaquille O’Neal back in 1996 to change teams after averaging at least 25 points and 10 rebounds the year before.
Andrew Wiggins becomes only the second player since the 1976 merger to be drafted No.1 overall and then traded before playing one game. The other player was Chris Webber back in 1993. That trade was on draft night. The Orlando Magic traded his rights to Golden State for Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have become the first team in history to acquire two top five scorers from the previous season. LeBron James finished third with 27.1 points last season. Kevin Love was fourth with 26.1 points per contest.
Pippen Ain’t Easy will let you in on a secret now. David Griffin is the NBA Executive of the Year. He just won it.
The coverage doesn’t end here Pippen Peoples. Keep it locked to Pippen Ain’t Easy for complete coverage of the Kevin Love trade saga and how it will affect the Chicago Bulls going into this season.