NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Timberwolves Owner Wants to Keep Kevin Love; Cavaliers, Warriors Still Interested
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors are still interested in acquiring Kevin Love, but Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor wants to keep the All-Star forward in Minneapolis.
In an interview in an NBA Summer League game on Wednesday night in Las Vegas, Taylor expressed confidence that Love will still be with the Timberwolves when training camp starts amid rampant trade rumors.
"My preference is that Kevin will come to camp -- and I'm sure he will -- and play with the team," Taylor said via Pioneer Press.
Love, who averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds last season, declined to sign a contract extension with the Timberwolves and has been saying all along that he wants to win a championship, creating speculations that he wants out of Minnesota.
Taylor expressed confidence that a few more roster moves will make them a playoff team, and Love will renew interest in playing in Minnesota. He pointed out that they almost advanced to the playoffs last season, and he said he believes that, with Flip Saunders at helm, they can get over the hump next season.
"I think our team is just on the border," Taylor said. "We lost too many close games last year, and having Kevin Love there as, right now, the heart of our team. I would like to have Kevin back and play under Flip and see how the coaches will utilize him with the other players."
Recent reports indicated that the Timberwolves and the Warriors have resumed talks about a possible trade involving Love, but the Warriors' reluctance to part ways with Klay Thompson remains as the deal breaker.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers are still in the mix after the 25-year-old power forward sounded interested in moving to Cleveland to play alongside LeBron James.
However, the Timberwolves are demanding for Andrew Wiggins in any deal for their superstar, but the Cavaliers, who reportedly offered Dion Waiters and Anthony Bennett along with a future first-round pick, are not willing to give up the 2014 first overall pick.
Taylor said that when the time comes that they have no other choice, but to trade Love, they will make sure that they will receive equal or more talents in return.
"My response is that we are going to look at everything that makes sense that would make our team better, but we are not going to move a superb player like that without getting equal or more value back." Taylor said.
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