The “Summer of Love” has finally concluded, with Kevin Love officially being shipped to the Cavs after months of rumors and speculation. Plenty of new details and strong reactions to the blockbuster deal have emerged, so let’s have a look at the latest on the Wolves..
- Prior to the two teams reaching an agreement, the Wolves gave Cavs owner Dan Gilbert permission to meet with Love during Summer League play, reveals Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (on Twitter).
- The Wolves regularly fielded calls from the Cavs front office, who frequently inquired about the availability of Love, writes Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com. In all, more than 12 teams made an offer for the former Wolves All-Star, according to Windhorst.
- Flip Saunders reiterated in a press conference that it was a difficult decision to move Love, but explained that any player can be traded if the return has a net benefit on either the short- or long-term quality of the team (video link).
- Early reports suggested Anthony Bennett would be heading to the Sixers in the Love deal, but Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune dismisses such a scenario would’ve occured, saying Saunders wouldn’t have agreed to move Bennett in exchange for Thaddeus Young (video link).
- Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune provides an overview of Love’s tenure in Minnesota and breaks down the various character issues that the big man has been accused of carrying.
- It could be the beginning of a new era in Minnesota, opines Jesse Blancarte of Basketball Insiders, who thinks that the young and athletic core of the Timberwolves should provide for exciting basketball in upcoming seasons.