Kevin Love might be the next superstar to parade into Cleveland, with No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins “in play” in a potential deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Multiple reports indicated the Cavaliers were pushing to acquire Love without parting with Wiggins, the Kansas product who said last week he believes his future will be in Cleveland.
The Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics are also hot on Love’s trail.
Talks between the Timberwolves and Warriors broke off last month because Minnesota insisted on shooting guard Klay Thompson and small forward Harrison Barnes for Love.
The hang-up in the deal with Cleveland could be shooting guard Kevin Martin, whom the Timberwolves want to include in any Love trade to clear his contract from the books.
ESPN reported Friday that Love was “intrigued” by the idea of playing with the Cavaliers and All-Stars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
The Timberwolves are not anxious to trade Love, who can opt out of his contract at the end of next season and become a free agent. However, they are listening to offers so they can get compensation for Love before he opts out.
In 77 games last season, Love averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists.
Telling in James’ essay Friday was that he did not mention Wiggins by name despite going into detail about his role as a mentor to younger players. He has known Wiggins for several years and played with Love as a member of Team USA.
Martin makes $6.938 million per season as part of a four-year, $27.75 million deal he signed with the Timberwolves in 2013.