Just as it appeared the Cleveland Cavaliers had knocked Golden State out of the battle for Kevin Love, a new team has stepped entered the mix.
The Chicago Bulls emerged Wednesday as a serious threat to Cleveland. According to ESPN.com, sources with knowledge of the situation say Chicago is making forward Taj Gibson and shooting guard Jimmy Butler available to Minnesota in exchange for Love.
"Anytime there's something that is available that we feel could improve our team, we've got to take a look at it," Bulls general manager Gar Forman said Wednesday on 87.7 FM in Chicago. "That's our job. But we like where we're at with the additions that we made."
The Bulls bolstered their frontline this offseason by releasing Carlos Boozer and signing Pau Gasol. Boozer was claimed off amnesty waivers by the Los Angeles Lakers, Gasol's former team.
Better fit for Kevin Love: Cleveland Cavaliers or Chicago Bulls? Find out what Numbers say now on ESPN2. pic.twitter.com/X547czxjtJ
— Numbers Never Lie (@ESPN_Numbers) July 23, 2014
Earlier during the free-agency period, the Warriors had the inside track on acquiring Love from Minnesota -- pitching offers that including forwards David Lee and Harrison Barnes -- but Golden State's refusal to include shooting guard Klay Thompson stalled negotiations.
After unrestricted free agent LeBron James returned to Cleveland and it became known that he wanted to play alongside Love next season, the Cavaliers began discussing ways to land the three-time All-Star.
The Timberwolves, however, made it clear they wanted 2014 top overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins included in any trade package. After initially balking at that idea, the Cavaliers have softened their stance.
To make their offer more attractive to Minnesota, the Cavs reportedly have tossed 2013 No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett into their offer.
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