Kevin Love wants out of Minnesota, but the Timberwolves aren't exactly anxious to oblige. After it was revealed that the T-Wolves franchise player plans to leave the team after next season and trade speculation began to swirl, team owner Glen Taylor said he expects the All-Star forward to remain with the team.
Love, set to become a free agent in 2014-15, said he doesn't intend to re-sign with the team, however it doesn't appear as though Minnesota is set to trade him.
"I should never say never because who knows what might come up? But that's not our plan," Taylor told the Pioneer Press. "I'm not in a position where you would say absolutely I wouldn't do it, because what if something that I can't even speculate [on] happens? You'd say, 'You're nuts, Glen.' Maybe some team puts a value on him that's different than we suspect."
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Six straight losing seasons have reportedly gotten to Love and he has told the team that he wants out when his contract expires because he wants to go to a place where he has a chance to make the playoffs and be on a winning team. He reportedly hasn't demanded a trade, but has made it clear he intends to sign elsewhere when he hits the open market next summer.
Despite the transparency of Love's wishes, the Timberwolves seem to be prepared to risk losing their three-time All-Star for nothing as they may not trade him, at least not leading into next season. That doesn't necessarily rule out a deadline deal next year.
There is a lot of interest around the league for Love, including the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors, and there was speculation that once the NBA Draft lottery order is announced on Tuesday that Minnesota's stance on a trade might soften, but it remains to be seen. The Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns are also possible landing spots for Love.
In return, the 'Wolves are looking for at least a high-round pick in this year's draft and one or two veterans that can provide leadership to a team in need of it, however it all depends on if Minnesota softens its stance.
Taylor said he hasn't engaged in trade talks with any teams.
"At this point, we're not talking to any teams," Taylor told the Pioneer Press. "I haven't heard from Kevin or his agents or anything like that. We're assuming that Kevin will be here next season, and we're working with that scenario. This isn't the time for us to do anything but to prepare for next year."
The owner also isn't happy with the situation overall.
"Kevin came here, played here, became an All-Star here ... I mean, what a wonderful environment," Taylor told the paper. "The fans have been great and support him. I'm not sure that could have happened at other places. To be in a position where we have to defend that he might leave or not leave when he's under contract, it's difficult."
As the days tick towards that contract expiring, it may get all the more difficult for the Timberwolves to hang onto him.
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