Kevin Love has informed the Minnesota Timberwolves that he will be testing the NBA free agency market in 2015 and that he is not interested in signing a contract extension to stay with the franchise, sources say.
With that, the T-Wolves could decide on trading the All-Star power forward before the February 2015 trade deadline so they can get something in return for him. According to Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors are among the possible destinations that Love could head to via trade.
We reported earlier that Love is interested in joining the Los Angeles Lakers, and also has some interest in the New York Knicks. That has already been a given all season long, though. The Warriors and Bulls coming up into the discussion is more surprising and noteworthy.
ESPN adds that the Phoenix Suns could make deal, too. They have enough assets to make a deal happen, just like they did when they were connected to a possible Carmelo Anthony deal around the 2014 trade deadline. It's unclear, however, that Love is interested in joining Phoenix.
The T-Wolves have remained the same about trading Love, because they still remain confident in that he will re-sign with the team next year. Despite their refusal to trade Love all season long, the writing looks like it's on the wall now to make such a decision since Love has shown no interest in an extension.
The 25-year-old has yet to make the playoffs in six pro seasons. The Timberwolves have had enough talent to make the postseason these past two years, but have been unable to do so due to injuries, close-game defeats and just pure disappointment.
Not even the big-money contract Love would receive would help him stay with the Timberwolves. He is able to make up to $30 million on the final year on the new contract, but much like the Carmelo Anthony situation that will be coming up this offseason with the Knicks, it's more about winning at this point.
Another issue for Minny is the head coach. Rick Adelman has retired and the team is still in search for a new head coach. They have been connected to big-time ones such as Billy Donovan of Florida or Michigan's Tom Izzo, but it's unlikely they can land any of these big-timers unless if they know Love is going to stay. And of course, there's no guarantee about Love.
Minnesota is in a tough hole right now. They have a lot of big decisions to make from here on out up until the 2015 free agency period.
