NBA Rumors: Kevin Love Interested In Lakers, Bulls, Knicks And 2 Other Teams?

Kevin Love’s days with the Minnesota Timberwolves appear to be numbered. According to multiple reports, the All-Star could be on the move this summer.

Minnesota kept Love this past season, even though it didn’t seem likely that he would agree to a contract extension. Now, he has one year left on his deal, and has reportedly told the organization that he’s set to sign elsewhere as a free agent in 2015.

If the Timberwolves are set on trading Love, they will have many suitors for the 25-year-old. He averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game last year, and could help turn a team into a championship contender.

By the time Love is dealt, more than 10 teams will likely be involved in rumors to trade for him. The Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets are among the latest to reportedly have interest in acquiring him. However, there a few possible destinations stand out above the rest.

Los Angeles Lakers

L.A. appears to be Love’s most likely destination. According to multiple reports, the power forward’s first choice is to play with the Lakers. He was born in Santa Monica and went to college at UCLA. Los Angeles has a lot of salary caps space and is looking to pair another star with Kobe Bryant. The Lakers don’t have much to offer the Timberwolves, but getting a high pick in the draft lottery could make their potential package very appealing.

Chicago Bulls

According to ESPN.com, Love is intrigued by the possibility of going to the Bulls. Of all his potential landing spots, Love might fit the best in Chicago. He’s a dynamic scorer and rebounder who’s not known for his defense. The Bulls have been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA over the past few years, but their inability to score has held them back in the playoffs. Along with a healthy Derrick Rose, Love and the Bulls have the potential to give the Miami Heat their biggest challenge, since the formation of the Big Three.

New York Knicks

The New York Daily News is reporting that Love’s preferred destination is Los Angeles, but he’s open to playing with the Knicks. Love has been in a small market for his entire NBA career, and he would become a much bigger star by playing in the Big Apple. However, the Knicks might have the least to offer the Timberwolves of all the potential suitors. New York doesn’t have a first-round pick this year, and the future of their roster is very uncertain as Carmelo Anthony becomes a free agent. The Knicks need to hope that Minnesota will be satisfied with receiving expiring contracts.

Boston Celtics

Yahoo! Sports reports that the Celtics are interested in trading for Love. Boston can offer Minnesota a strong package, considering they’ll have a top pick in one of the best drafts in recent memory. They also have several draft picks over the next few years, because of their trade that sent Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets.

Golden State Warriors

The ESPN report mentioned Golden State as an option that could intrigue Love. It would put the All-Star in California, and the Warriors have a much brighter immediate future than the Lakers. Even though they were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs, Golden State won 51 games in the regular season. Putting Love alongside Stephen Curry could give the Warriors the best offense in the league.