Kevin Love has made it clear to the Timberwolves that he intends to become an unrestricted free agent after next season and has no interest in a contract extension this summer to stay in Minnesota, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
Although sources say Love has stopped short of demanding a trade, his position could effectively force the Timberwolves to deal the All-Star forward before next season -- or before the trade deadline in February 2015 at the latest -- if they hope to dodge the risk of losing him without compensation.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are among the potential trade destinations that intrigue Love.
The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks have likewise been mentioned all season as big-market landing spots that would tempt Love, but going to the best situation for immediate contention is said to be the power forward's priority.
Love That Production
Only NBA MVP Kevin Durant and runner-up LeBron James had a higher Player Efficiency Rating (PER) than Kevin Love's 26.9 this season. PER is a measure of a player's per-minute efficiency standardized such that the league average is 15.
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Although sources say Love has stopped short of demanding a trade, his position could effectively force the Timberwolves to deal the All-Star forward before next season -- or before the trade deadline in February 2015 at the latest -- if they hope to dodge the risk of losing him without compensation.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are among the potential trade destinations that intrigue Love.
The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks have likewise been mentioned all season as big-market landing spots that would tempt Love, but going to the best situation for immediate contention is said to be the power forward's priority.
Love That Production
Only NBA MVP Kevin Durant and runner-up LeBron James had a higher Player Efficiency Rating (PER) than Kevin Love's 26.9 this season. PER is a measure of a player's per-minute efficiency standardized such that the league average is 15.
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Highest Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
NBA This Season
</CENTER>NBA This Season
|
|
|---|---|
| Kevin Durant, OKC | 29.8 |
| LeBron James, MIA | 29.3 |
| Kevin Love, MIN | 26.9 |
| Anthony Davis, NO | 26.5 |
| DeMarcus Cousins, SAC | 26.1 |
| --ESPN Stats & Information |
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When you stop & think of it, you're probably right.
But, that's the problem with sports these days... You can't ever build a team...College or Professional... In College they leave school after a year or two, and in the pros they move on as well... Only difference is, in college they leave for the money, and in the Pros, they leave for the money and/or a shot at playing on a better team...
I was being facetious Hache. Other guys get ripped for doing what Love is doing but unless you wanna just play for a shitty team your whole career it is the right move.
Also Love was drafted in 2008, it is 2014. They had plenty of time to build a team...
Don't take Rubio and Flynn over Curry, Derrick Williams #2 overall, Wes Johnson at #4
4 top 6 picks all busts that is pretty brutal.
Good stuff DD...The C's definitely have the assets with all the picks they got but it just comes down to if Love wants to go to Boston. He is a west coast guy and it isn't like you can guarantee him the Celts are ready to contend even with Rondo.
Sure NBA is thinking "There hasn't been a white American born superstar player in a big market in 25 years, don't F this up Minnesota!"
Sure NBA is thinking "There hasn't been a white American born superstar player in a big market in 25 years, don't F this up Minnesota!"
