NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Is Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Love Ready To Join the L.A Lakers?
The Minnesota Timberwolves could lose All-Star power forward Kevin Love in the summer of 2015, as the latest report indicated that the burly double-double machine is unlikely to sign an extension with his current ball club.
According to Hoops Hype via USA Today, Love will likely not sign another contract with the T-Wolves as he waits for the opportunity to opt out in the fourth year of his contract and become a free agent two years from now.
The 25-year-old Love is racking up MVP-worthy stats this season, averaging 24.8 points and 13.0 rebounds in 36 minutes per game. He's the only player in the NBA to be in the Top 5 in both points and rebounding departments.
Love's Obsession To Be With Lakers
CBS Sports' Ken Berger rattled the Timberwolves fanbase to its core after he broke the news about Love's potential breakup with the ballclub and possible alliance with the Lakers in 2015.
The report also indicated the point of view of anonymous Eastern Conference general manager, who also believed Love will leave the Twin City once he can become an unrestricted free agent.
"They should trade him," one Eastern Conference executive said via CBS Sports. "No one thinks he's staying. Everyone knows he wants to go to the Lakers."
Despite Love's strong stats, the Timberwolves continue to struggle staying relevant in a very tough Western Conference playoff race. Although the Wolves (21-22) are just one game below .500, their current slate won't be enough for them to progress into the postseason due to the stiff competition in the conference from top to bottom.
The forward has already voiced out his frustrations over the lack of help he got from his teammates - particularly some of the team's bench players - despite the effort of general manager Flip Saunders to infuse more offensive punch to their roster by bringing in Kevin Martin and Corey Brewer.
"This report comes on the heels of Love calling out two teammates for not joining the team during timeouts late in the Wolves' latest meltdown, a 104-103 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. The criticism was likely directed at J.J. Barea and Dante Cunningham," via SB Nation.
Though two years are still pretty long, Love is speculated to sign with either the New York Knicks or the Lakers with the Chicago Bulls hoping to become the third team in the lottery.