The Kevin Love Dilemma

Kevin Love has played six seasons in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and has failed to reach the playoffs in every single season. In fact, the three time all-star has yet to lead his team to a winning record.

Love is expected to opt out of his contract at the end of next season, and leave Minnesota. This leaves the Timberwolves in a predicament.The Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and Utah Jazz all know how this feels.

The Cavs decided to ride it out with LeBron James, and it came back to haunt them as he left in free agency in 2010 and headed to Miami. The Nuggets and the Jazz were both able to deal their star player prior to free agency. The Nuggets were able to acquire young and athletic talent in exchange for Carmelo Anthony. While, the Jazz received an array of draft picks along with the young and talented Derrick Favors.

The Nuggets and Jazz both missed the playoffs this past year, but they made the right decision by trading Anthony and Williams. The Timberwolves should follow suit, and trade their all-star, as well.

The Timberwolves have not made the playoffs since 2004, and this team seems to be headed towards mediocrity. Conventional wisdom may be to add another star alongside Love, but that is easier said than done.Minnesota is a small market, and it is not necessarily an ideal destination for most superstars.

There are a variety of teams that could offer the Timberwolves intriguing packages in exchange for Love. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, and Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo; the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, and Boston Celtics are all interested in making a trade for Love.

Love cannot directly control the team he is traded to, however a team would likely not trade for him if they did not think he would re-sign with them after next season. Here is a breakdown for each potential landing spot:

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls could put together a package of Taj Gibson as well as their two first round picks in the upcoming draft; both of which fall outside the lottery. They could also include Jimmy Butler or the expiring contract of Carlos Boozer. This is not a bad package for the Timberwolves, but it may not be the exciting group of players that could ignite the fan base of Minnesota.

New York Knicks

Phil Jackson is likely salivating at the opportunity to acquire Love as he could potentially be a perfect match for the Triangle Offense. However, it is unlikely that the Knicks can put a deal together that Minnesota would accept. Their best offer would likely include Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert, Tim Hardaway Jr., and a first-round draft pick in 2018. The Knicks have no first-round draft picks that they can trade until 2018 and they seem to be reluctant to part with Hardaway Jr. Carmelo and Love would not be ideal compliments towards one another as they both prefer to play power forward and neither one of them are very strong defensively. It also remains a strong possibility that Carmelo could bolt to a new team this offseason.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers can offer their first round pick this year, which could end up falling in the top 5. They do not have many other options to send to Minnesota, but if the pick rises into the top 3 of the lottery, it could be a very intriguing trade option for Minnesota. Minnesota could also wait until free agency begins and do a sign and trade that would send Pau Gasol and the first round pick to the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves have been interested in the idea of teaming Gasol up with Ricky Rubio, in the past. However, Gasol would have to agree to sign a new contract with Minnesota, which may be an unlikely scenario. Love was born in California and attended UCLA in his lone collegiate season. Love’s familiarity with California could propel him to force a trade to the Lakers.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors can offer David Lee and Harrison Barnes in exchange for Love. They could also include Klay Thompson if they felt it was necessary. This could be a strong, well-rounded package for Minnesota. Love would be similar to Lee in terms of rebounding and scoring, but would be able to stretch the floor and demand more attention than Lee. Love also had a much higher player efficiency rating than Lee did this past season, according to Basketball Reference. Love’s familiarity with California could also factor in with his decision to force a trade to the Warriors.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns own three first round picks in this year’s deep draft, all of which could be dealt for Love. They could send Alex Len and the expiring contract of Channing Frye, in addition to the picks as well. Love would seemingly fit in perfectly with the up-tempo offense of the Suns. The Suns stretch the floor and encourage their big men to be ready to shoot threes when Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe penetrate. Love is an excellent three point shooter and it could be a perfect match. However, he may not be willing to go to another small market like Phoenix.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets can trade Omer Asik and Chandler Parsons in exchange for Love. They also own a late first round pick in the upcoming draft. The Rockets have been rumored to be looking for another star and adding Love could help them get over the hump after the disappointing first round exit in this year’s playoffs. Rockets head coach, Kevin McHale, coached Love in Minnesota and could potentially lure him to Houston, according to Yahoo’s Wojnarowski.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics have two first round picks this year, including a potential top 5 pick. They also could have multiple picks in next year’s draft. Other than Rajon Rondo, the Celtics do not have many other assets on their current roster. However, they could put together a deal for Minnesota very similar to the deal that the Nets traded away in exchange for Deron Williams.