In the SI.com letter announcing his return to Cleveland, star forward LeBron James poured his heart out. James spoke of the strong feelings he has for his hometown of Akron, Ohio, and the importance of playing a role in helping Northeast Ohio rebuild economically.
He also spoke of the great time he had during his four years with the Miami Heat. But it's what he didn't say that is resinating loudly these days in his hometown and the surrounding region.
James expressed excitement to soon play with several Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters and Anderson Varejao - but one name omitted from his list was Cleveland's No.1 overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins.
Thus far, James has not addressed omitting Wiggins from his letter. But he has not been shy about expressing his desire to play alongside Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love next season.
The desire to have Love as a teammate is so strong for James that he has personally contacted the All-Star power forward about coming to Cleveland, according to Yahoo! Sports. This development was first reported by The News-Herald.
But this isn't a one-way love affair, Love has said he'd be willing to sign a multiyear contract with the Cavaliers, to play with James.
Minnesota decision-makers have indicated they will not trade Love unless a player considered of 'equal value' is received in return.
Two teams appear to have a player who fits the bill - Cleveland has Wiggins and the Golden State Warriors have guard Klay Thompson - neither, however, has show an interest to include those players in a trade for Love. Until now.
Are you sure the Cleveland Cavaliers should trade Andrew Wiggins for Kevin Love? https://t.co/x8DcStSJv1
— Numbers Never Lie (@ESPN_Numbers) July 18, 2014
Cleveland appears to be softening its stance, and Wiggins' name has surfaced recently in a possible trade with the Timberwolves. League sources have said the Cavaliers are willing to include Wiggins in a trade for Love, according to ESPN.com.
It should not come as a surprise that Cleveland has altered its position on making Wiggins available in a trade to Minnesota.
Wiggins has a tremendously high upside. He has shown flashes of his great potential throughout his year's NBA Summer League competition - easily getting to the basket and hitting jump shots; he's also been a terror on defense.
If you were the @Cavs, would you trade Andrew Wiggins for Kevin Love? Here's what @Grantland33 staff would do -> https://t.co/olv270zZVB — ESPN (@espn) July 17, 2014
But James wants to win now, and Love is a proven NBA commodity. A three-time All-Star, Love averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds last season. In six seasons as a pro, all in Minnesota, he has career averages of 19.2 points and 12.2 rebounds.
Wiggins, if he turns out to be half as good as advertised, makes the Cavaliers one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Love, however, makes them one of the best team's in the league and a serious title contender.
This is a trade the Cavaliers has to pull the trigger on. Minnesota won't say no to an offer that includes Wiggins.
But Cleveland can't sit on this matter, Golden State is sure to reconsider its position regarding Thompson, and landing him is just as appealing to Minnesota as Wiggins.
The Cavaliers needs to move soon, very soon. It's what James wants.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
