NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics Want Kevin Love Badly

Several NBA teams have been showing interest in acquiring Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves to join their roster in the 2014-2015 season.

In an article on Bleacher Report, it became apparent that Danny Ainge, president of basketball operations of the Celtics, wanted Kevin Love to join the Boston Celtics, regardless of the offer. A possible deal between the Celtics and Timberwolves may actually become a reality. The Celtics are still in a full rebuilding stage, after finishing 25-57 in the past season. They have point guard Rajon Rondo and a couple of rising rookies, James Young and Marcus Smart. Ainge believes that Kevin Love is the final piece they need to bring Boston back into the playoffs. There are, however, huge risks and a big price should the Celtics push through with their plan.

According to NESN, the Celtics previously offered either Kelly Olynyk or Jared Sullinger together with the No. 6 pick in the 2014 and future No. 1 picks for the Timberwolves' star. Since Boston already used their No. 6 pick to get Marcus Smart, they have to offer something else for Minnesota to budge. Boston has eight first round picks in the next five years. These may be good enough for the Wolves to consider an offer. If a deal between the two teams won't happen, the Celtics can wait another year until Love opts out of his contract and enters free agency after the 2014-2015 season.

If Boston fails to acquire Kevin Love, it will be forced to continue on its rebuilding mode in the next two years. In a report by BostInno, Boston re-signed Avery Bradley to four more years in a contract worth $32 million. It can send a message to Rondo that he may not be playing long for the team. Rondo is bound to become a free agent in 2015 and he also shared his wishes to try the free agent market soon. The Celtics are currently working to develop their two new rookies. Perhaps when Kevin Love is available as a free agent, it will be the perfect time to lead Smart and Young into the playoffs.

NBA experts speculate that it would be difficult for Boston to acquire Kevin Love, especially after it used up its No. 6 pick in June. Other teams are also trying to woo Love with a more established roster of players and huge amounts of cash. The Rockets, Bulls, Suns and Warriors are offering the power forward what he has been looking for in years - a chance to win the championship.