Throughout June, the rumors started heating up more than ever of Kevin Love going to the Boston Celtics via trade. But there wasn't any real offer that would entice the Minnesota Timberwolves enough, and as the NBA Draft approached, the talks seemed dead.
However, that hasn't stop Celtics general manager Danny Ainge from still pursuing the All-Star power forward. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Ainge is still looking to acquire Love and bring him to the C's.
A league source said Monday that Ainge is attempting to gather assets to acquire Love, convinced he can devise a package that would entice Minnesota president Flip Saunders to move the three-time All-Star.
Many NBA executives reportedly believe that Saunders will eventually pull the trigger on Love at some point before Love becomes a free agent in 2015 and trade him. Love can leave in free agency next year, leaving the T-Wolves to gain nothing in return.
"You never know what to expect," Ainge said on Monday. "When you have conversations, I have a great deal of respect in the league and what they’re all trying to accomplish. I don’t know what’s going to shake out when it’s all said and done."
Many teams have been in talks to acquire Love. The Golden State Warriors were once considered frontrunners, but it looks like they don't want to part ways with Klay Thompson.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were also in talks during the draft, but it ended after they selected Andrew Wiggins with the No. 1 overall pick. However, a deal for Love is still possible if LeBron James ends up signing with the team in the free agency.
While LeBron and Carmelo Anthony hold this free agency period hostage right now, it looks like talks regarding Love will also be in the same boat until both small forwards make their decisions.
