The Golden State Warriors reportedly are now willing to include guard Klay Thompson in a trade for Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love. Golden State's new willingness to part with Thompson seemingly is in response to the Cleveland Cavaliers purportedly offering rookie Andrew Wiggins to Minnesota for Love.
Golden State purportedly came close to acquiring Love last month, but the trade talks stalled due to the Warriors' unwillingness to include Thompson in the deal. The Warriors' stance, however, has apparently softened in light of multiple reports indicating Cleveland is now willing to give Minnesota Wiggins, whom the Timberwolves purportedly want in exchange for Love.
"According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Golden State Warriors are increasing their efforts to land Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Love," Yannis Koutroupis of BasketballInsiders.com wrote Friday. "... The Cavaliers are willing to let go of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft Andrew Wiggins, but the Warriors are now willing to let go of Klay Thompson as well.
"The Warriors have been trying to acquire Love without letting go of Thompson, but have come off of that stance because Love is willing to exercise his option for the 2015-16 season and put off becoming a free agent next summer according to a source.
"David Lee and Harrison Barnes are expected to be a part of the deal as well. No trade is imminent, but the Warriors are willing to do whatever it takes to land Love now -- even if that means letting go of a franchise favorite in Thompson."
Golden State supposedly is one of Love's preferred destinations. The Warriors, though, have competition from Cleveland.
The Cavaliers piqued the interest of Love after they signed superstar LeBron James, who reportedly wants to play with Love. Cleveland also has the assets -- Wiggins, specifically -- to make it worthwhile for Minnesota to move Love.
The Boston Celtics are considered to be another contender for Love because of their myriad future draft picks. The Houston Rockets, albeit lacking in tradable assets, also are believed to be gunning for Love.
