The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Kevin Love with sources saying that the Cavs have already offered a trade package to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that the Cavaliers offered a 2014 first-overall pick Andrew Wiggins, 2013 first-overall pick Anthony Bennett, and a 2015 first-round pick for Love, who could be traded this offseason after declining to sign a contract extension with the Timberwolves.
Sources also indicated that Cleveland and Minnesota looked close to completing a deal on Friday, but the Timberwolves are reportedly demanding for more assets in a trade for their superstar forward.
Aside from the Cavaliers, the Timberwolves are also still talking to the Golden State Warriors, who are also interested in acquiring Love, who averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game last season.
The Warriors are offering David Lee and Harrison Barnes along with a future pick, but the Timberwolves are demanding for Klay Thompson.
Sources within the organization indicated that Warriors executives are divided on trading Thompson, who also recently talked to newly-named coach Steve Kerr, who allegedly gave an assurance to the 24-year-old shooting guard that he will stay in Golden State.
However, the Cavaliers' change of heart in trading Wiggins reportedly changed the Warriors' stance on including Thompson in the deal for Love.
Basketball Insiders reported that the Warriors want to outbid the Cavaliers - even if trading Thompson, who averaged 18.4 points and 3.1 rebounds last season, will be the only way to do it.
"David Lee and Harrison Barnes are expected to be a part of the deal as well. No trade is imminent, but the Warriors are willing to do whatever it takes to land Love now - even if that means letting go of a franchise favorite in Thompson," Basketball Insiders noted.
ESPN's Broussard added that the Timberwolves might take advantage of the growing interest of the Cavaliers and the Warriors, knowing that the two clubs might improve their offer to win the bidding war.
"There is also a feeling around the league that Minnesota is attempting to drive up the price for Love by having the Cavs and Warriors compete for the deal," Broussard wrote.
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