The Minnesota Timberwolves are not going anywhere in 2014. Neither are the Los Angeles Lakers. Sure, both could battle for one of the final NBA Playoff spots in the Western Conference, but neither would make much noise. Both teams have some talent, but neither team is a contender. If history has taught us anything, it is that, in time, the Lakers will get better. It has also taught us that the Timberwolves will not. The Lakers will get healthier, spend a ton of money, hire a new coach and make a run within the next couple of seasons. The Timberwolves will trade players, watch others depart via free agency, draft high and continue to wallow in mediocrity. Kevin Martin is a good player. So is Nikola Pekovic. They are not players who can lead a team to a title.
Kevin Love is that sort of player. Unfortunately, at least for Minnesota, he wants nothing to do with the Timberwolves’ long term plans.
In fact, Love reportedly would love to be part of the Lakers sooner rather than later.
According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, it appears to be common knowledge that Love will look to sign with the Lakers after he becomes a free agent following the 2014-2015 NBA season.
“They should trade him,” one Eastern Conference executive said. “No one thinks he’s staying. Everyone knows he wants to go to the Lakers.”
It makes sense. The Timberwolves have little-to-no hope of signing Love to a long-term contract extension. They may as well attempt to trade him now and see if they can at least use some of those pieces to make a playoff run this season and convince other future free agents that they are building something special in Minnesota.
The Timberwolves could look to deal Love to the Lakers now, knowing that Los Angeles has everything necessary to sign him for the long haul and could give up more, knowing Love would not just be a rental acquisition. Minnesota could ask for Nick Young and the expiring contract of Pau Gasol, as well as future draft picks.
If Love is not going to help the Timberwolves in the future, they may as well trade him to the Lakers and see if he can make a difference with the team he is likely destined to join within the next 18 months anyway.
I think they should trade him now. I do not see the wolves improving enough to keep him from leaving. I do not think the wolves should trade with the lakers; they do not have much to offer. I would suggest they trade with Bulls, Cavs, or Pistons.
Bulls Assets
Charlotte 1st round Pick,
Bulls 1st round Picks
Kings potential 1st round pick
Taj Gibson
Nikola Mirotic
Cavs Assets
Waiters
Tristan Thompson
Bennett
Zeller
Cavs 1st round Picks
Memphis 1st round Pick
Pistons Assets
Greg Monroe
K. Pope
Pistons Future 1st round Pick
If the Wolves want a quick turn around, the best player is Greg Monroe, and they would have his restricted right. The next most proven assets are the Cavs, and if they want a complete rebuild, they should call Chicago.