NBA Trade Rumors: Kevin Love Could Be Headed To Golden State Warriors

With the NBA season over, trade rumors are now heating up with reports that Kevin Love could be headed to the Golden State Warriors.

Reports have indicated that the Minnesota Timberwolves are open to shipping out their big man, but only with a big return. The Wolves have been in talks with the Warriors to trade Love in exchange for a first-round pick as well as sharpshooting guard Klay Thompson.

The Warriors are reportedly mulling over the deal, which would also include sending All-Star forward David Lee for Love and swingman Kevin Martin. Thompson is one of the league’s rising stars, who combined with fellow sharpshooter Stephen Curry has led the Warriors to a turnaround.

But on Thursday, ESPN.com reported that the Warriors were ready to make Klay Thompson available to the Timberwolves, greatly increasing the odds that the deal goes through.

While the Warriors seem determined to finish the deal, there are other NBA trade rumors surrounding Kevin Love. ESPN the Magazine‘s Chris Broussard has reported that the Denver Nuggets are making a hard push, and are offering Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler, and the No. 11 pick for Love and Martin.

The Boston Celtics have been another source of trade rumors for Kevin Love. This NBA trade rumor might have the most legs, as the Celtics are reportedly willing to part with both of their first-round draft picks this year along with a veteran such as Jeff Green or young player such as Kelly Olynyk or Jared Sullinger. The destination also seems to have a special appeal to Love.

Whatever the destination, it seems the NBA trade rumors have one thing right — Kevin Love won’t be in Minnesota much longer.

ESPN noted:

“The Wolves have been forced to explore potential trades since it became widely known last month that Love’s representatives told Wolves management that the 25-year-old plans to exercise his right to become a free agent in July 2015 and refuse any attempts by the Wolves to re-sign him.”

The NBA trade rumors are likely a sad remembrance for Minnesota Timberwolves fans, who saw star Kevin Garnett leave in similar fashion. Like Garnett, Kevin Love is reportedly growing tired of carrying a team that has been at the bottom of the league, with few other solid pieces to the roster.