The Cleveland Cavaliers are not only willing to include 2014 No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins in a deal for power forward Kevin Love, they are upping the ante.
Cleveland and the Minnesota Timberwolves have engaged in trade talks that would send the 6-foot-10, 245-pound All-Star to the Cavaliers.
According to an ESPN.com report, Cleveland would toss in last year's top overall draft pick Anthony Bennett and a 2015 first-round pick for Minnesota's best player. The future draft pick is likely necessary to make the deal more attractive to Minnesota, being that Bennett had a disappointing rookie season.
ESPN: Cavs willing to give up Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett in potential Kevin Love trade.
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 18, 2014
High expectations accompanied Bennett into his rookie season. But the former UNLV standout failed to deliver. Bennett's lackluster rookie season might be the key reason a deal has yet to be finalized between the Cavs and T'wolves.
Bennett, who appeared to be in poor physical condition, appeared in 52 games during the 2013-2014 season, but did not start a single time. He average an anemic 4.2 points and three rebounds.
During this year's NBA Summer League, Bennett has shown flashes of the type of player he can be on the professional level. He's also lost the excess weight.
Cleveland might add other players to its offer, but no names have been made public.
Any proposed offer by the Cavaliers must be significant enough to offset those of other possible suitors for Love. The Golden State Warriors remain interested in acquiring Love from Minnesota.
Golden State currently represents the biggest obstacle to a trade between Cleveland and Minnesota being consemated.
The Warriors are offering forwards David Lee and Harrison Barnes to Minnesota. Thus far that package hasn't been enough to convince the Timberwolves to sign off on a deal.
Minnesota appears more interested in sharpshooting guard Klay Thompson.
Golden State officials, however, are reluctant to included him.
Minnesota is currently negotiating from a position of strength. But that will change the closer the league gets to its February trade deadline.
Love intends to become an unrestricted free agent next year. If Minnesota fails to work out a deal it risks losing its top player without receiving compensation.
Love, 25, has stated he is willing to sign a multiyear contract with the Cavaliers, should he get traded to Cleveland.
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