Kevin Love Sweepstakes, Denver Nuggets Still in Hunt?
By Len Nunes
Nov 21, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) dribbles against Denver Nuggets small forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Lately, every time I read a trade rumor about Kevin Love, it involves a move to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors or the Chicago Bulls. Maybe it’s because I live in Canada, but when Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski mentioned the Denver Nuggets in his latest article, I was surprised.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers made a deal to increase their trade asset flexibility in pursuit of Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Love, absorbing three non-guaranteed contracts in a trade with the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, league sources told Yahoo Sports….The Denver Nuggets have remained a strong contender for Love, offering a package that sources said has been the most appealing to Minnesota outside of the Cavaliers and a possible Golden State deal including Klay Thompson. So far, the Warriors have kept Thompson out of their offer to Minnesota.Minnesota wants a package for Love to include Barea, who has $4.5 million left on his expiring deal – and possibly Martin, who has three years and $21 million left."
It was about a month ago that our Denver Nuggets were “linked” to Kevin Love trade talks. The rumors prompted a Nugg Love reader poll, “Should the Nuggets Trade for Kevin Love“. The results of that poll as of this writing, 51% No – 49% Yes.
I have already stated my piece, when all the Kevin Love stuff first appeared, my stance has not changed – – Kevin Love Rumors to Denver, Please Be False! Unless Kevin Love IMMEDIATELY signs an extension to stay in Denver, I want NOTHING to do with acquiring him.
One of the main reasons for my hardline “stay away” stance regarding Kevin Love is the cost of acquiring what could be a “one year rental player”. Every proposed deal to acquire Love in Denver has included the dealing of Kenneth Faried.
I understand Faried may or may not sign an extension to stay with Denver. The fear of not signing Faried before the season is that he may walk away after next season for nothing. Trading Faried for Love, if Love walks, is akin to letting Faried walk away for nothing.
My hope for Kevin Love is that he ends up in the Eastern Conference.