Report: LeBron James Recruiting Kevin Love to Cleveland

The Minnesota Timberwolves insist that they expect to retain Kevin Love, but everyone realizes that they’ll have to orchestrate a trade, or risk losing the All-Star for nothing in free agency next summer.

With the Cavaliers now said to be willing to deal away Andrew Wiggins – though conflicting reports are out there – LeBron James has reportedly reached out to Love, selling him on the idea of playing together in Cleveland:

LeBron James has reached out to Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Love and expressed a desire for them to play together in Cleveland, front-office sources told Yahoo Sports.

 

Love is enthusiastic about the idea of teaming with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources said. James’ decision to sign only a two-year contract that affords him the option of again becoming a free agent at the end of next season has not tempered Love’s interest in joining James on the roster.

 

The Cavs and Timberwolves have had ongoing talks about a trade for Love, but a deal is not imminent, said one high-ranking source involved in the discussions.

 

The Cavaliers have shown a willingness to possibly include No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins in a package for Love, but would likely need additional teams to complete a deal, sources said. Wiggins played for Cleveland’s summer-league team Thursday night in Las Vegas.

Cavs head coach David Blatt is pleased with Andrew Wiggins’ focus and strong during summer league in Las Vegas, as trade rumors continue to swirl.

The Golden State Warriors are also considered players in the Kevin Love Sweepstakes, but their unwillingness to include Klay Thompson in the negotiations appears to be a deal-breaker at this point.

LeBron James attempted to manage expectations during his celebrated return to Ohio, but now the hoops world awaits to see just how good his GM skills are.