Kevin Love is starting in the All-Star Game for the first time tomorrow night, and like fellow All-Star Carmelo Anthony, questions about Love’s future are swirling with the heightened national attention. Sam Amick of USA Today explains how the Timberwolves’ struggles this season, combined with the reality that LeBron’s decision this summer will leave many teams looking for a plan-B savior, creates the “perfect storm” of speculation surrounding the double-double machine. At this point, Love doesn’t want to add any fuel to the fire, short of remaining non-committal to Minnesota for the long-term. Here’s how he responded to the media spotlight yesterday:
- Kevin Love told reporters he had nothing to say regarding his potential free agency in 2015, when he can decline his player option with the Timberwolves, reports Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune: “Anything I say is going to be a misconception or be some sort of a headline. To me, it’s silly. Yeah, sure, it’s brought up. It crosses my mind. In a way, I just try to put that aside and it’s just a question that’s always going to be brought up. Really, I would love not to talk about it and focus on winning right now with the Timberwolves.”
- When asked about the moves specific teams are already making to clear cap space that would accommodate a max contract for him in two years, he was hesitant to talk about those organizations, per Zgoda: “If I say Charlotte is a great city and I love spending some time there, then all of a sudden I’m going to Charlotte.”
- Love also said he’s not sure if he is prepared for the onslaught of questions that will only increase as his decision draws nearer, per Zgoda: “Oh wow, I don’t know if I’m prepared for it,” Love said. “That’s why you change your phone number, you go into hibernation and you come out when you want. It’s something to be asked. I’m not going to say I don’t mind it. It’s flattering that other teams want me. I like the team I’m at now. I just want to win.”