Countdown to Kevin Love - T Minus 2 Days

[asujbl]

Just a quick update as we are 2 days away

Jerry Zgoda ‏ @ JerryZgoda 2h
Just a reminder: if you keep reading Bennett is headed to Philly for Young in forthcoming trade...don't believe it.

[pac213up]

The bigger question is when does Ray Allen sign?

[asujbl]

The bigger question is when does Ray Allen sign?

Last update I saw - doesn't really mean much since we all know it's either Cleveland or Retirement.

Marc J. Spears ‏ @ SpearsNBAYahoo
The Cavs are also optimistic about their chances of signing free agent guard Ray Allen prior to the start of training camp, a source said.

[crazymj]

Is anyone gonna change jersey number?

[AlabamaSlamma]

Crazy that he's still technically not a Cleveland Cavalier. Seems like we went through the whole LBJ/Love soap opera years ago.

Definitely ready for this season. Tons of story lines coupled with tons of talent.

[razorsharp]

Looks like the final trade will be:
Love, Shved, LRMAM and first round pick out. Wiggins, Bennett, Thad Young and a cap exception in, as part of a three team deal.

Seriously, just give Flip Saunders the GM of the year award now..

[asujbl]

Looks like the final trade will be:
Love, Shved, LRMAM and first round pick out. Wiggins, Bennett, Thad Young and a cap exception in, as part of a three team deal.

Seriously, just give Flip Saunders the GM of the year award now..

So you're giving up Shved, LRMAM, and the Miami 1st rounder (from Cleveland) for Young?

I assume that's the structure.

[440shane]

So you're giving up Shved, LRMAM, and the Miami 1st rounder (from Cleveland) for Young?

I assume that's the structure.

That is what I saw as well.

Sorry but as much as it sucks to be the first team to actually give up close to equal "value" when acquiring a superstar on his way out, its interesting to me that Minnesota fans are parading around on here and twitter etc acting as if they are getting the better end of said trade. Um, your team is trading AWAY Kevin Love, a consensus top 10 player in the NBA, who is 25 and just entering his prime. Its cool to be excited with the return you will be receiving, but short of Love walking in a year, the Cavs win this trade any which way you look at it.

[SethMurphy]

Is anyone gonna change jersey number?

Love will have to I believe. I think 42 is retired in Cleveland

[NeilCO]

That is what I saw as well.

Sorry but as much as it sucks to be the first team to actually give up close to equal "value" when acquiring a superstar on his way out, its interesting to me that Minnesota fans are parading around on here and twitter etc acting as if they are getting the better end of said trade. Um, your team is trading AWAY Kevin Love, a consensus top 10 player in the NBA, who is 25 and just entering his prime. Its cool to be excited with the return you will be receiving, but short of Love walking in a year, the Cavs win this trade any which way you look at it.

T-Wolves fan here. I don't know whose stuff you're reading, so don't have an opinion on what you're reacting to. But I would argue this is a win-win trade. The Cavs are getting the final piece they need to compete for a championship NOW, while LeBron is in his prime. The Wolves are getting a very young player who likely would not be enough to help Cleveland win now, but could help the Wolves in a big way in a couple years.

Can't we be excited that we're getting a great return for a player who wasn't coming back anyways, while also acknowledging that the latter is a top ten (maybe top five) player in the NBA? It's also nice to add a player who is excited to play for the Wolves and subtract a player who has wanted out for a while and recently has been very public about it.

[razorsharp]

That is what I saw as well.

Sorry but as much as it sucks to be the first team to actually give up close to equal "value" when acquiring a superstar on his way out, its interesting to me that Minnesota fans are parading around on here and twitter etc acting as if they are getting the better end of said trade. Um, your team is trading AWAY Kevin Love, a consensus top 10 player in the NBA, who is 25 and just entering his prime. Its cool to be excited with the return you will be receiving, but short of Love walking in a year, the Cavs win this trade any which way you look at it.

Don't you think we already know that?

Also, funny how your tune has completely changed. You are the same guy that said there was absolutely NO WAY Minnesota would receive Wiggins in any deal with Cleveland. Remember? Something about Minnesota having zero leverage? lol

[CC_123]

That is what I saw as well.

Sorry but as much as it sucks to be the first team to actually give up close to equal "value" when acquiring a superstar on his way out, its interesting to me that Minnesota fans are parading around on here and twitter etc acting as if they are getting the better end of said trade. Um, your team is trading AWAY Kevin Love, a consensus top 10 player in the NBA, who is 25 and just entering his prime. Its cool to be excited with the return you will be receiving, but short of Love walking in a year, the Cavs win this trade any which way you look at it.

Nobody has said we are getting better, but its a better situation to get Wiggins, Bennett, and potentially Young for essentially Love, Shved, and Mbah a Moute. There isn't a team that gets that much value for a player that was leaving at the end of the year anyways.

Plus, if you watched the Wolves last season play without Love, I think they played better because they didn't just rely on him to chuck shots up. Rubio was a completely different player because he attacked the basket and other players stepped up in those situations as well. I think they played more as a team then they did with Love on the court. Not saying they are getting better from this trade but I do not think the drop off will be dramatic.

[rats60]

That is what I saw as well.

Sorry but as much as it sucks to be the first team to actually give up close to equal "value" when acquiring a superstar on his way out, its interesting to me that Minnesota fans are parading around on here and twitter etc acting as if they are getting the better end of said trade. Um, your team is trading AWAY Kevin Love, a consensus top 10 player in the NBA, who is 25 and just entering his prime. Its cool to be excited with the return you will be receiving, but short of Love walking in a year, the Cavs win this trade any which way you look at it.

The only way the Cavs ate a winner is if they win a championship next year. Otherwise, they overtraded for a guy who they could have signed after next season.

[asujbl]

The only way the Cavs ate a winner is if they win a championship next year. Otherwise, they overtraded for a guy who they could have signed after next season.

That's some solid math

[440shane]

Don't you think we already know that?

Also, funny how your tune has completely changed. You are the same guy that said there was absolutely NO WAY Minnesota would receive Wiggins in any deal with Cleveland. Remember? Something about Minnesota having zero leverage? lol

Tune only changed once it became apparent that the Cavs were going to give in and include Wiggins or this was all predetermined prior to LeBron coming home. I still believe that without knowing all the facts behind the scenes that none of us will ever know, the Cavs still shouldn't have had to include a prospect such as Wiggins (or just simply Wiggins and nothing more) to acquire a player with the contractual status as Love and making it known he was leaving. That precedent had been set in years prior. So you can LOL at me in every thread because at the end of the day my team ended up with Kevin Love AND LeBron James. Should also be noted that I am the same guy that said if you trade for Kevin Love and get the 5 year extension commitment (which it appears they have worked out, legally or not) I would trade anyone or draft pick on the roster not named LeBron or Kyrie for 6 years of Kevin Love.

[440shane]

The only way the Cavs ate a winner is if they win a championship next year. Otherwise, they overtraded for a guy who they could have signed after next season.

This couldn't be any more less accurate. Would not have had the cap room to sign Love next off season. Would have still required a sign and trade.

[SHowley2003]

If I'm a Wolves fan I'm pumped about this trade. Love has been nothing but a PIA for several years now. He didn't like playing with Big Al so Minesotta moved on from him and handed the team over to him, only for him to decide he didn't want to stay in Minnesota. I'm not saying the organization is flawless, but Love's approach has been gross. Having a young talent like Wiggins who comes in wanting to lead the franchise, has the hype and will get the club some much needed national attention? It's a win/win deal for sure.

[minnesotachill]

I've been a Wolves fan from day one.

Sometimes I feel like we're just a frickin' minor league baseball team getting our guys ready for the big show.

I'm at the point where I don't really care if we win or lose anymore. We got some high flying youngsters and the best passer in the league. Some exciting basketball is about to go down.

Love can go to Cleveland and become the next Chris Bosh for all I care. When he started sitting out multiple games during the season to rest his back, wrists, ankles, whatever, I was done with him.

[azviking101]

Wolves had a 1-5 record when Love scored 40 or more points last season.
Just sayin'
I like the guy, but I'm not quite sure the Wolves would have ever won with him. I'm not sure if that will stick with him.

[crazymj]

Wolves had a 1-5 record when Love scored 40 or more points last season.
Just sayin'
I like the guy, but I'm not quite sure the Wolves would have ever won with him. I'm not sure if that will stick with him.

I think beneficial for all parties involved. Cavs, Wolves, Love, Bennett, Wiggins and fans.

[kairi-2008]

I feel the Wolves win, not a fan of either team, so not concerned.
But I wish Bennet and Wiggins luck, they are only young and would feel unwanted right now.

[tnvolfan16]

just a shame that everyone in the league seems to make it their personal goal to make sure LeBron james is happy. I am guessing that Durant, kobe, and Dwight howard are next to be traded to Cleveland. I just hate it for the Cleveland fans who made their views known when they burned LeBron jerseys and badmouthed him when he left. now they have to watch him every night. they deserve better.

[hunterclan09]

just a shame that everyone in the league seems to make it their personal goal to make sure LeBron james is happy. I am guessing that Durant, kobe, and Dwight howard are next to be traded to Cleveland. I just hate it for the Cleveland fans who made their views known when they burned LeBron jerseys and badmouthed him when he left. now they have to watch him every night. they deserve better.



I hope Cleveland sucks and doesn't win. He left them for rings first. Instead if trying to get rings with them. He came back to try again to bring a championship. Which I hope backfires. Even with bringing In love I hope they lose. I'd love to see Minnesota win with wiggins so they can see how stupid it is to try to build an empire out of older players. I like young talent to win.

[rats60]

This couldn't be any more less accurate. Would not have had the cap room to sign Love next off season. Would have still required a sign and trade.

You couldn't be more wrong. If Love really only wanted to play in Cleveland, he could have easily have been signed. Irving, Wiggins, Miller and Joe Harris are the only guys the Cavs are locked into. Even if they pay Lebron the 21M he wants, they could still sign Love. If Lebron would opt out and take a 1 year contract for less, they could have built a championship team. As it is, I don't see the Cavs beating the better West teams anytime soon.

[TBarn291]

*Sigh*

I will never see this deal as a win for the cavs..... Minnesota fans have to be excited.... I personally will have nowhere near the enjoyment of watching this Cavs team as I would have if they had kept Bennett and Wiggins...


Wolves announce Kevin Love-Andrew Wiggins trade in newspaper ad - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24675450/wolves-announce-kevin-love-andrew-wiggins-trade-in-newspaper-ad)

[Cades]

Both made out, but have to give praise to minnesota, grabbing young and keeping bennett along wiggins for somebody for was leaving anyways + a couple bench players

[Inferno]

Panini will have to get Wiggins to wear some Minnesota jerseys now for next seasons patch cards. Cavs patches won't look good in T-Wolves colors.

[Brobocop]

*Sigh*

I will never see this deal as a win for the cavs..... Minnesota fans have to be excited.... I personally will have nowhere near the enjoyment of watching this Cavs team as I would have if they had kept Bennett and Wiggins...


Wolves announce Kevin Love-Andrew Wiggins trade in newspaper ad - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24675450/wolves-announce-kevin-love-andrew-wiggins-trade-in-newspaper-ad)

Living and working in downtown Cleveland I can say that as long as the team is winning and bringing people downtown, I will be excited to watch Cavs basketball. I know a lot of people weren't all that jazzed about losing Wiggins but it wasn't like they got hot garbage for him. It seems to be a trade that could work out for everyone. Now all they have to do is play the game since nothing is guaranteed.

[TBarn291]

Living and working in downtown Cleveland I can say that as long as the team is winning and bringing people downtown, I will be excited to watch Cavs basketball. I know a lot of people weren't all that jazzed about losing Wiggins but it wasn't like they got hot garbage for him. It seems to be a trade that could work out for everyone. Now all they have to do is play the game since nothing is guaranteed.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Love. I think he is a great asset. I just don't see his particular skill set adding as much to the team as the team is giving up. Honestly I think it will boil down to chemistry, three players that were the #1s on their teams last year all playing together now. I just hope the egos don't clash. I could see Waiters being unhappy this season and animosity building.

[crazymj]

Great Kevin love is going to be jersey 0, time to buy up all the 0/xx cards

[crazymj]

Panini will have to get Wiggins to wear some Minnesota jerseys now for next seasons patch cards. Cavs patches won't look good in T-Wolves colors.

And waste those event worn wiggins cavs jersey? Nah they won't do that

[hoopster3977]

It will be really funny when Love opts to leave Cleveland next year due to have problems with Blatt, and signs with the Lakers.

[thepinoymamba]

And waste those event worn wiggins cavs jersey? Nah they won't do that
I agree on it. At least it would be a limited amount of those Cavs jersey out.
Then after that it would be overload of Wolves jersey.

It would be nice if Panini could re-insert
Wiggins as an XRC on flawless.

[DannyHultzenFan]

one of the main people at panini announced before that they had an agreement with the nba that if indeed wiggins did get traded they would get to have a special photoshoot with him so hes not pictured as a cavalier meaning thats how we may see them not use those cavs jerseys but its hard to say...Im still dissapointed by the fact he was traded cause I personally didnt want Kevin Love for what we had to give up...

[IamRalpho]

What an awful deal for the Sixers here, 2 expiring contracts and a pick in the late 20s?

Yikes Hinke, tank a little better

[asujbl]

It will be really funny when Love opts to leave Cleveland next year due to have problems with Blatt, and signs with the Lakers.

Well this is random. Problems with Blatt? Blatt is the perfect coach for someone with Love's skill set.

Unless LeBron breaks both his legs, and Kyrie gets lost at sea in Lake Erie, Love will be back in Cleveland.

[groundsupport]

Blatt was Clevelands 8th option, but since he has signed with Cleveland, he is already a top 5 coach in the league.

[groundsupport]

Well this is random. Problems with Blatt? Blatt is the perfect coach for someone with Love's skill set.

Unless LeBron breaks both his legs, and Kyrie gets lost at sea in Lake Erie, Love will be back in Cleveland.

Lake Erie isn't a sea.

Seas are salt water.

[asujbl]

Blatt was Clevelands 8th option, but since he has signed with Cleveland, he is already a top 5 coach in the league.

OK - that was pulled out of thin air - but typical for you. Glad to see I didn't miss anything being out of town.

Forget Blatt - I'm more impressed with the assistant coaches they've brought in.

Tyronn Lue, Larry Drew, James Posey

[asujbl]

Lake Erie isn't a sea.

Seas are salt water.

I'm aware. Wasn't really the point of the joke. Glad you called me out though.

[Brobocop]

Blatt was Clevelands 8th option, but since he has signed with Cleveland, he is already a top 5 coach in the league.

Honest question, where would you rank Erik Spoelstra compared to the rest of the league? People always seem to talk about him as if he was someone who lucked into two titles.

[groundsupport]

Honest question, where would you rank Erik Spoelstra compared to the rest of the league? People always seem to talk about him as if he was someone who lucked into two titles.


I don't think he cracks the top 10 IMO.

[Cades]

Honest question, where would you rank Erik Spoelstra compared to the rest of the league? People always seem to talk about him as if he was someone who lucked into two titles.

guess we'll see this year, now.

I don't think he is that great of a coach at all.

If blatt wins a couple championships with the team thats put together, won't make him a great coach, either.

[groundsupport]

guess we'll see this year, now.

I don't think he is that great of a coach at all.

If blatt wins a couple championships with the team thats put together, won't make him a great coach, either.


Exactly.....

[IamRalpho]

I dont think Love is leaving Cleveland after this year but crazier things have happened. He could have a bad year, the Cavs could underachieve etc and he'd wanna move on. Dwight Howard did it.

My bet is Love resigns, but its not a 100% lock.

[asujbl]

I dont think Love is leaving Cleveland after this year but crazier things have happened. He could have a bad year, the Cavs could underachieve etc and he'd wanna move on. Dwight Howard did it.

My bet is Love resigns, but its not a 100% lock.

Nothing is 100% - that's for sure - but clearly the Cavs have done their due dilligence (now that reports are out that Gilbert and Love met multiple times in Vegas) - so they have to think it's damn close to a lock.

Love leaving LeBron, in his prime, would be much more of a shock then Howard leaving LA - where Kobe and the fans didn't like him anyway.

I guess I look at it like this.

I'm a big Wiggins fan - sad to see him go - and I don't think he's going to be a bust.

But I think the odds that Wiggins busts are about the same odds that Love leaves - both very small

So it's a gamble either way.

[bdoody42]

I dont think Love is leaving Cleveland after this year but crazier things have happened. He could have a bad year, the Cavs could underachieve etc and he'd wanna move on. Dwight Howard did it.

My bet is Love resigns, but its not a 100% lock.

You're right nothing is 100%, but this I believe is basically a done deal. Love leaving LeBron would be outright stupid. I feel like Love and the Cavs have some type of agreement in place.