With Kevin Love having all but confirmed his exit from Minnesota, there are already plenty of suitors lining up for the big power forward’s signature.
A lack of playoff action in Love’s six years in the gopher state has led Kevin to fall out of love with the Timberwolves, and while he has nominated his favoured destinations, I feel this saga is just heating up.
We could very well be in for the Dwightmare 2.0. Is “Lovesick” too clichéd?
Boston Celtics
One of the teams reportedly on Love’s list is the Boston Celtics. Boston have some nice young pieces such as Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger that may tempt Minnesota, as well as a high draft pick in the upcoming draft.
Love brings to the table rebounding, three-point shooting and floor-spacing, three areas the Celtics could use a boost in, and more importantly, he gives Rajon Rondo a second bona fide superstar to work with.
What’s not to like here?
Toronto Raptors
This is not a team that has been mentioned in the Love circles at all, but hang with me. The Toronto Raptors are a team nearing completion. They have lots of great young pieces and were painfully close to an Eastern Conference semi finals birth this year.
One finishing touch could put them over the edge to contention, and what a finishing touch Kevin Love would be. With very limited assets to trade, Toronto would likely have to hope Love is still available next off-season for them to snare him, but by chance, if he is, expect the Raptors to come out swinging.
Chicago Bulls
Back to the usual suspects and the Chicago Bulls are certain to be one of the most interesting teams to watch this off-season. They’re in the market for a final piece to complete their big three and both Kevin Love and Carmelo Anthony will strongly come into the equation.
Assuming they go down the former path, Love would take the spot of the likely-to-be-amnestied Carlos Boozer and take a whole lot of rebounding pressure off Joakim Noah, as well as space the floor for Noah to further dominate in the paint on offence. When healthy, a Derrick Rose-Love-Noah combination would cause nasty match-up headaches for any team in the league.
Portland Trail Blazers
If you are a Portland fan, you have no doubt heard the rumours that LaMarcus Aldridge is not keen on signing a contract extension. If these rumours are thought to be true by the front office, there is no doubt they have already thought of a direct swap – Aldridge for Love.
Assuming both exit wishes are true, this move works for both parties. In fact, this is possibly the best deal that Minnesota could find for Love. The fact that Portland will likely see playoff action again next year gives Love all the more reason to re-sign come the 2015 off-season.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers were another of Kevin Love’s preferred destinations when it was discovered he was not interested in re-signing with Minnesota. What’s more, there seems to be mutual interest.
LA have the ability to put together a pretty savvy package for Minny, likely built around the number seven pick and Pau Gasol. The Lakers also have some other nice pieces they might be willing to offer in exchange for Gasol, but if Love is presented with the opportunity, can you imagine he’d want to work with Kobe Bryant?
Dallas Mavericks
It seems that the Dallas Mavericks and their oft-outspoken owner Mark Cuban are always in the running for a superstar, and one would think they would have an eye on the Love situation right now.
While it is unlikely Dallas would have much of a package to put together for Minny, if they fail to trade him by the trade deadline, all of a sudden the Mavericks are brought right into the conversion. While they have an all-time power forward in Dirk Nowitzki, he is nearing the end of his career and Love would be the perfect heir to the throne in Dallas.
Houston Rockets
As word has it, Houston will be battling with the likes of Chicago for the signatures of Kevin Love and Carmelo Anthony over the off-season, and adding Love into the foray in Houston would likely have Rocket fans salivating.
Love would space the floor for the inside attacking threat of James Harden, and a K. Love-D12 front court would be near impossible to stop on the boards. Houston have plenty to offer Minnesota also, as they would likely be asked to swap any two of youthful stars Chandler Parsons, Omer Asik and Terrence Jones. Houston has the near-perfect combination of attractive pieces, attractive teammates and championship contention that could please both Love and the Timberwolves.
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