Kevin Love Trade Rumors 2014: K-Love May Move to Lakers, Warriors, Bulls, Suns or Celtics

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists during the 2013-2014 NBA regular season; however, his team still failed to join the playoffs. In fact, Love has not been in the playoffs in his six years with the Timberwolves, so he is looking to use his early-termination contract option after the 2014-2015 season.

In a report by SB Nation, Flip Saunders, owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, said that he will begin considering trade options for Love. A number of teams are expected to seriously try to acquire the power forward, such as the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics. K-Love, on the other hand, wishes to join a team that can be a real contender. He is willing to commit for the long term if he believes that his next team shares the same vision of going to the playoffs and hopefully winning the NBA crown. The Knicks and Lakers can be solid options for him, where his presence can synergize with stars like Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant.

In a Mass Live report, Love was anxious to opt out of his contract early, which spurred Flip Saunders to start looking for potential deals for the first time. However, it does not mean that theTimberwolves have completely given in to the fact that their prized power forward will no longer be extending his contract. Another option for Minnesota would be to find a coach that knows how to utilize the player the right way, and that means also getting the right players that can compliment his playing style. Instead of sending Love off to a team with an existing star, they could bring in one key player instead.

The Lakers, in the meantime, have the top pick for the 2014 NBA draft and are saving their cap space for 2015. Chris Broussard of ESPN, cited that he heard that Love will definitely sign with the Lakers as a free agent when his contract expires, writes Bleacher Report.