*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (4 Viewers)

[Daywalker]

Slowly getting through the Simmons-Windhorst podcast. Windhorst seems to think this is an ownership deal that's been agreed to in early July. Other interesting tidbits include Windhorst believes T Thompson will get a large extension (same agent as LeBron) though I have no idea how that works from a purely basketball sense since they don't even see him starting. Windhorst also believes Marion's a done deal. Apparently the NBA league office is none to pleased with any of this.

So Cleveland will look like:

Irving

Waiters

LeBron

Love

Varajao

with a pretty decent second unit of Delladova, Jones (or Allen if he wants to play for the minimum), Miller, Marion, Thompson with Haywood being big man fodder.

Looking at that roster, Thompson looks like the odd man out, so while all the rumblings seem to indicate they'll sign him to a big deal, I wouldn't be shocked if he got dealt for a real rim protector at some point (they'll need another competent big to go against Chicago) LeBron apparently like Waiters so Waiters isn't going anywhere.

The other Windhorst comment is apparently Harden plays defense in pickup games.

Doesn't make sense to me that Lebron would want Cleveland to extend a huge offer to Thompson. Is worrying about another Rich Paul client that much of a factor to Lebron? Will be a bad sign if Thompson gets overpaid.

 

[Kev4029]

Just spitballing because it looks like the deal is done.

But would you rather have:

K. Irving

or

Wiggins

Bennett

#1

Could you get Michael Carter-Williams for Bennett and #1?

Making it Irving or Wiggins and MCW? Seems like you could get a decent PG for Bennett and a #1. Almost any decent PG paired with Wiggins is a better value then Irving IMO.

Could you move Wiggins, Bennett and #1 for MCW and Embiid? Seems like Philly was all over Wiggins pre-draft. Leaving Cleveland with Lebron, MCW, Love and Embiid.

Moving Irving for Love is the move. Leaves you with so many options. Oh well.

Kyrie Irving cannot be traded for 6 months after the deal he just signed. He's not going anywhere.

Funny, you keep having mentioning this.He's not going anywhere anyways. Irving is finally going to thrive with amazing talent around him. They are going to make things look silly. If he's not motivated now, then the big red flag gets raised. My guess is he's all in with this...and excited as hell.

And WTF would the Cavs want Embiid now? They could have had him in June. Lebron, MCW, Embiid and Love. Kinda yuk.

Unless Embiid really just won't stay healthy, that's a better core than Lebron, Love, and Kyrie. And I don't don't even like MCW much.

I don't think that's true at all, plus MCW would be an absolutely pitiful fit with Lebron and Love. Irving has been the 5th, 4th and 6th best player by PER in his three years and hes a half a year younger than Williams, Irving doesn't get the credit he deserves. Embiid would really have to be stellar to make up for trading Irving, especially as they would be punting on this season and probably next.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Unless Embiid really just won't stay healthy, that's a better core than Lebron, Love, and Kyrie. And I don't don't even like MCW much.

Disagree. MCW wouldn't fit that well with LeBron. You need a shooter at PG and that's his biggest weakness, while a lot of his strengths become redundant with LeBron dominating the ball. And even if Embiid stays healthy, he's still pretty raw.

I think Kyrie will be great alongside LeBron.

 

[Bobcat10]

Just spitballing because it looks like the deal is done.

But would you rather have:

K. Irving

or

Wiggins

Bennett

#1

Could you get Michael Carter-Williams for Bennett and #1?

Making it Irving or Wiggins and MCW? Seems like you could get a decent PG for Bennett and a #1. Almost any decent PG paired with Wiggins is a better value then Irving IMO.

Could you move Wiggins, Bennett and #1 for MCW and Embiid? Seems like Philly was all over Wiggins pre-draft. Leaving Cleveland with Lebron, MCW, Love and Embiid.

Moving Irving for Love is the move. Leaves you with so many options. Oh well.

Kyrie Irving cannot be traded for 6 months after the deal he just signed. He's not going anywhere.

Funny, you keep having mentioning this.He's not going anywhere anyways. Irving is finally going to thrive with amazing talent around him. They are going to make things look silly. If he's not motivated now, then the big red flag gets raised. My guess is he's all in with this...and excited as hell.

And WTF would the Cavs want Embiid now? They could have had him in June. Lebron, MCW, Embiid and Love. Kinda yuk.

Unless Embiid really just won't stay healthy, that's a better core than Lebron, Love, and Kyrie. And I don't don't even like MCW much.

That's a big unless...since that's why he was passed on by two teams in the draft. We know the Cavs take him. Milw grabs him if there are no health concerns, I don't care what anyone says.

Kyrie >>>> MCW

 

[Balco]

Just spitballing because it looks like the deal is done.

But would you rather have:

K. Irving

or

Wiggins

Bennett

#1

Could you get Michael Carter-Williams for Bennett and #1?

Making it Irving or Wiggins and MCW? Seems like you could get a decent PG for Bennett and a #1. Almost any decent PG paired with Wiggins is a better value then Irving IMO.

Could you move Wiggins, Bennett and #1 for MCW and Embiid? Seems like Philly was all over Wiggins pre-draft. Leaving Cleveland with Lebron, MCW, Love and Embiid.

Moving Irving for Love is the move. Leaves you with so many options. Oh well.

Kyrie Irving cannot be traded for 6 months after the deal he just signed. He's not going anywhere.

Funny, you keep having mentioning this.He's not going anywhere anyways. Irving is finally going to thrive with amazing talent around him. They are going to make things look silly. If he's not motivated now, then the big red flag gets raised. My guess is he's all in with this...and excited as hell.

And WTF would the Cavs want Embiid now? They could have had him in June. Lebron, MCW, Embiid and Love. Kinda yuk.

Unless Embiid really just won't stay healthy, that's a better core than Lebron, Love, and Kyrie. And I don't don't even like MCW much.

That's a big unless...since that's why he was passed on by two teams in the draft. We know the Cavs take him. Milw grabs him if there are no health concerns, I don't care what anyone says.

Kyrie >>>> MCW

People way overrating MCW.

 

[pollardsvision]

Just spitballing because it looks like the deal is done.

But would you rather have:

K. Irving

or

Wiggins

Bennett

#1

Could you get Michael Carter-Williams for Bennett and #1?

Making it Irving or Wiggins and MCW? Seems like you could get a decent PG for Bennett and a #1. Almost any decent PG paired with Wiggins is a better value then Irving IMO.

Could you move Wiggins, Bennett and #1 for MCW and Embiid? Seems like Philly was all over Wiggins pre-draft. Leaving Cleveland with Lebron, MCW, Love and Embiid.

Moving Irving for Love is the move. Leaves you with so many options. Oh well.

Kyrie Irving cannot be traded for 6 months after the deal he just signed. He's not going anywhere.

Funny, you keep having mentioning this.He's not going anywhere anyways. Irving is finally going to thrive with amazing talent around him. They are going to make things look silly. If he's not motivated now, then the big red flag gets raised. My guess is he's all in with this...and excited as hell.

And WTF would the Cavs want Embiid now? They could have had him in June. Lebron, MCW, Embiid and Love. Kinda yuk.

Unless Embiid really just won't stay healthy, that's a better core than Lebron, Love, and Kyrie. And I don't don't even like MCW much.

I don't think that's true at all, plus MCW would be an absolutely pitiful fit with Lebron and Love. Irving has been the 5th, 4th and 6th best player by PER in his three years and hes a half a year younger than Williams, Irving doesn't get the credit he deserves. Embiid would really have to be stellar to make up for trading Irving, especially as they would be punting on this season and probably next.

Agree about MCW and I'm not knocking Irving.

It's just that a Love/Embiid pairing could be amazing and very difficult to replicate.

Surely MCW could become a much better shooter playing alongside Lebron, much like we all assume Lebron will help Kyrie improve as a catch & shoot guy.

It's major step down from Irving to MCW but I think it'd be worth it for Embiid. Not to mention the added cap flexibility.

 

[modogg]

Melo forcing his way to NY was only a couple of years ago.

Is that + the Heatles the last instance? That was the big fear at the time, that we'd end up with a bunch of teams unable to compete in free agency with NY/LA/Mia and maybe Chicago. I remember, I was one of the people who was worried about it. Could still happen in the next few years but I don't see many signs of it. Seems like the players care a lot more about the organization than the surroundings.

i'm not sure why Miami is lumped in with these dream destinations. it isn't like players were jumping over each other to pay with Glen Rice and even Alonzo. I really don't think anybody is trying to get to NY or LA either. it would seem the up and coming teams are where players may gravitate too (Charlotte, Phoenix, etc.), or to teams that have a future super star like Davis.

 

[Mister CIA]

Melo forcing his way to NY was only a couple of years ago.

Is that + the Heatles the last instance? That was the big fear at the time, that we'd end up with a bunch of teams unable to compete in free agency with NY/LA/Mia and maybe Chicago. I remember, I was one of the people who was worried about it. Could still happen in the next few years but I don't see many signs of it. Seems like the players care a lot more about the organization than the surroundings.

i'm not sure why Miami is lumped in with these dream destinations. it isn't like players were jumping over each other to pay with Glen Rice and even Alonzo. I really don't think anybody is trying to get to NY or LA either. it would seem the up and coming teams are where players may gravitate too (Charlotte, Phoenix, etc.), or to teams that have a future super star like Davis.

New York should change the team name to the Coagulates.

 

[Kev4029]

This makes me like Jeremy Lin a little bit.

 

[Abraham]

Direct tv and att have purchased Comcast sports Houston. Means astros and rockets games will now be available.

 

[Abraham]

Durant - holy ####.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Durant - holy ####.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Just spitballing because it looks like the deal is done.

But would you rather have:

K. Irving

or

Wiggins

Bennett

#1

Could you get Michael Carter-Williams for Bennett and #1?

Making it Irving or Wiggins and MCW? Seems like you could get a decent PG for Bennett and a #1. Almost any decent PG paired with Wiggins is a better value then Irving IMO.

Could you move Wiggins, Bennett and #1 for MCW and Embiid? Seems like Philly was all over Wiggins pre-draft. Leaving Cleveland with Lebron, MCW, Love and Embiid.

Moving Irving for Love is the move. Leaves you with so many options. Oh well.

Kyrie Irving cannot be traded for 6 months after the deal he just signed. He's not going anywhere.

Funny, you keep having mentioning this.He's not going anywhere anyways. Irving is finally going to thrive with amazing talent around him. They are going to make things look silly. If he's not motivated now, then the big red flag gets raised. My guess is he's all in with this...and excited as hell.

And WTF would the Cavs want Embiid now? They could have had him in June. Lebron, MCW, Embiid and Love. Kinda yuk.

Unless Embiid really just won't stay healthy, that's a better core than Lebron, Love, and Kyrie. And I don't don't even like MCW much.

That's a big unless...since that's why he was passed on by two teams in the draft. We know the Cavs take him. Milw grabs him if there are no health concerns, I don't care what anyone says.

Kyrie >>>> MCW

Yeah, the guy has only been playing basketball for 3 or 4 years and has already had knee, back, and foot injuries. Wayyyyyyyyyyy too risky.

 

[saintfool]

Durant - holy ####.

russell westbrook is going to find a deal for $31 million.

 

[TobiasFunke]

And there it is, from Woj:

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The deal cannot be finalized until Aug. 23, because Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick, cannot be traded until one month following the signing of his rookie contract. The two teams have agreed to the deal, but neither would have recourse if the other decided to pull out of the arrangement before it can be formally completed this month. No third team is involved in the Cavaliers-Timberwolves trade agreement.

The precise deal terms have been agreed upon for weeks, but the teams and Love plan to stay silent about the particulars until the trade is announced in 16 days, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Love will join superstar LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to create the most devastating trio in the NBA and will instantly make the Cavaliers frontrunners to win an NBA championship.

Part of the Cavaliers' motivation in making the deal for Love was a belief Love would have ended up with the rival Chicago Bulls in a trade and created a significant obstacle in the Eastern Conference, sources said. Cleveland wouldn't have had the salary-cap space to sign Love next summer and could have only obtained him through the trade with Minnesota in a deal now.

Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, is the centerpiece of the package for Minnesota. The Timberwolves see superstar potential in the forward out of Kansas. Bennett, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, has shown signs of progress after a difficult start to his rookie season.

The T'wolves had hopes of unloading contracts in a Love deal, but that won't be happening. Minnesota still has a goal of freeing itself of J.J. Barea, Luc Mbah a Moute and Alexey Shved, league sources said.

Love informed the Timberwolves he will not return to the team after opting out of his contract next summer, and pushed them to make a trade for him before the start of this coming season.

Love, 25, is a three-time NBA All-Star. He averaged 26 points and 12.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season. For his career, he's averaged 19 points and 12.2 rebounds.

Unbelievable haul for Minnesota.

 

[Kev4029]

Durant - holy ####.

If he signs for $30M/yr with Under Armour, that'll be $10M more than Lebron makes, but $30M/yr less than Jordan makes.

 

[Kev4029]

And there it is, from Woj:

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The deal cannot be finalized until Aug. 23, because Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick, cannot be traded until one month following the signing of his rookie contract. The two teams have agreed to the deal, but neither would have recourse if the other decided to pull out of the arrangement before it can be formally completed this month. No third team is involved in the Cavaliers-Timberwolves trade agreement.

The precise deal terms have been agreed upon for weeks, but the teams and Love plan to stay silent about the particulars until the trade is announced in 16 days, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Love will join superstar LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to create the most devastating trio in the NBA and will instantly make the Cavaliers frontrunners to win an NBA championship.

Part of the Cavaliers' motivation in making the deal for Love was a belief Love would have ended up with the rival Chicago Bulls in a trade and created a significant obstacle in the Eastern Conference, sources said. Cleveland wouldn't have had the salary-cap space to sign Love next summer and could have only obtained him through the trade with Minnesota in a deal now.

Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, is the centerpiece of the package for Minnesota. The Timberwolves see superstar potential in the forward out of Kansas. Bennett, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, has shown signs of progress after a difficult start to his rookie season.

The T'wolves had hopes of unloading contracts in a Love deal, but that won't be happening. Minnesota still has a goal of freeing itself of J.J. Barea, Luc Mbah a Moute and Alexey Shved, league sources said.

Love informed the Timberwolves he will not return to the team after opting out of his contract next summer, and pushed them to make a trade for him before the start of this coming season.

Love, 25, is a three-time NBA All-Star. He averaged 26 points and 12.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season. For his career, he's averaged 19 points and 12.2 rebounds.

Unbelievable haul for Minnesota.

I bet part of that deal will also have them dumping Brewer or Shved or something (not enough for Martin) for the unguaranteed contracts Cleveland has.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

And there it is, from Woj:

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The deal cannot be finalized until Aug. 23, because Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick, cannot be traded until one month following the signing of his rookie contract. The two teams have agreed to the deal, but neither would have recourse if the other decided to pull out of the arrangement before it can be formally completed this month. No third team is involved in the Cavaliers-Timberwolves trade agreement.

The precise deal terms have been agreed upon for weeks, but the teams and Love plan to stay silent about the particulars until the trade is announced in 16 days, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Love will join superstar LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to create the most devastating trio in the NBA and will instantly make the Cavaliers frontrunners to win an NBA championship.

Part of the Cavaliers' motivation in making the deal for Love was a belief Love would have ended up with the rival Chicago Bulls in a trade and created a significant obstacle in the Eastern Conference, sources said. Cleveland wouldn't have had the salary-cap space to sign Love next summer and could have only obtained him through the trade with Minnesota in a deal now.

Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, is the centerpiece of the package for Minnesota. The Timberwolves see superstar potential in the forward out of Kansas. Bennett, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, has shown signs of progress after a difficult start to his rookie season.

The T'wolves had hopes of unloading contracts in a Love deal, but that won't be happening. Minnesota still has a goal of freeing itself of J.J. Barea, Luc Mbah a Moute and Alexey Shved, league sources said.

Love informed the Timberwolves he will not return to the team after opting out of his contract next summer, and pushed them to make a trade for him before the start of this coming season.

Love, 25, is a three-time NBA All-Star. He averaged 26 points and 12.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season. For his career, he's averaged 19 points and 12.2 rebounds.

Unbelievable haul for Minnesota.

I bet part of that deal will also have them dumping Brewer or Shved or something (not enough for Martin) for the unguaranteed contracts Cleveland has.

So getting two #1 picks and a future 1st round pick isn't enough for a player they're going to lose for nothing next year? They need to be able to dump bad contracts too?

 

[TobiasFunke]

And there it is, from Woj:

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The deal cannot be finalized until Aug. 23, because Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick, cannot be traded until one month following the signing of his rookie contract. The two teams have agreed to the deal, but neither would have recourse if the other decided to pull out of the arrangement before it can be formally completed this month. No third team is involved in the Cavaliers-Timberwolves trade agreement.

The precise deal terms have been agreed upon for weeks, but the teams and Love plan to stay silent about the particulars until the trade is announced in 16 days, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Love will join superstar LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to create the most devastating trio in the NBA and will instantly make the Cavaliers frontrunners to win an NBA championship.

Part of the Cavaliers' motivation in making the deal for Love was a belief Love would have ended up with the rival Chicago Bulls in a trade and created a significant obstacle in the Eastern Conference, sources said. Cleveland wouldn't have had the salary-cap space to sign Love next summer and could have only obtained him through the trade with Minnesota in a deal now.

Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, is the centerpiece of the package for Minnesota. The Timberwolves see superstar potential in the forward out of Kansas. Bennett, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, has shown signs of progress after a difficult start to his rookie season.

The T'wolves had hopes of unloading contracts in a Love deal, but that won't be happening. Minnesota still has a goal of freeing itself of J.J. Barea, Luc Mbah a Moute and Alexey Shved, league sources said.

Love informed the Timberwolves he will not return to the team after opting out of his contract next summer, and pushed them to make a trade for him before the start of this coming season.

Love, 25, is a three-time NBA All-Star. He averaged 26 points and 12.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season. For his career, he's averaged 19 points and 12.2 rebounds.

Unbelievable haul for Minnesota.

I bet part of that deal will also have them dumping Brewer or Shved or something (not enough for Martin) for the unguaranteed contracts Cleveland has.

Woj says no.

For the next few years the rest of the East has to hope that LeBron's defensive dropoff last season was a trend and not a one year aberration, and that Irving's horrible defense was because he sucks at defense and not because he was unmotivated. If so maybe they'll be like last year's Portland or Dallas teams and play a lot of 120-115 type games. Otherwise, big trouble.

 

[Kev4029]

Next season Cleveland has Haywood's totally unguaranteed $10.5M contract to dangle. They might be able to use that with some of their other assets (they have 3 first rounders in next year's draft) for something like a sign and trade for Gasol or one of the handful of decent shooting guards (Afflalo, Matthews, Thompson) or possibly acquire an underachieving player like Sanders.

 

[Kev4029]

I bet part of that deal will also have them dumping Brewer or Shved or something (not enough for Martin) for the unguaranteed contracts Cleveland has.

Woj says no.

For the next few years the rest of the East has to hope that LeBron's defensive dropoff last season was a trend and not a one year aberration, and that Irving's horrible defense was because he sucks at defense and not because he was unmotivated. If so maybe they'll be like last year's Portland or Dallas teams and play a lot of 120-115 type games. Otherwise, big trouble.

They've got to be doing something with those contracts, they didn't trade for those players to have them actually play. John Lucas is horrendous.

 

[Spanky24]

And there it is, from Woj:

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The deal cannot be finalized until Aug. 23, because Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick, cannot be traded until one month following the signing of his rookie contract. The two teams have agreed to the deal, but neither would have recourse if the other decided to pull out of the arrangement before it can be formally completed this month. No third team is involved in the Cavaliers-Timberwolves trade agreement.

The precise deal terms have been agreed upon for weeks, but the teams and Love plan to stay silent about the particulars until the trade is announced in 16 days, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Love will join superstar LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to create the most devastating trio in the NBA and will instantly make the Cavaliers frontrunners to win an NBA championship.

Part of the Cavaliers' motivation in making the deal for Love was a belief Love would have ended up with the rival Chicago Bulls in a trade and created a significant obstacle in the Eastern Conference, sources said. Cleveland wouldn't have had the salary-cap space to sign Love next summer and could have only obtained him through the trade with Minnesota in a deal now.

Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, is the centerpiece of the package for Minnesota. The Timberwolves see superstar potential in the forward out of Kansas. Bennett, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, has shown signs of progress after a difficult start to his rookie season.

The T'wolves had hopes of unloading contracts in a Love deal, but that won't be happening. Minnesota still has a goal of freeing itself of J.J. Barea, Luc Mbah a Moute and Alexey Shved, league sources said.

Love informed the Timberwolves he will not return to the team after opting out of his contract next summer, and pushed them to make a trade for him before the start of this coming season.

Love, 25, is a three-time NBA All-Star. He averaged 26 points and 12.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season. For his career, he's averaged 19 points and 12.2 rebounds.

Unbelievable haul for Minnesota.

Just as great for Cleveland IMO. Love is very under-appreciated on this board.

This ensures Cleveland should be in the NBA Finals for the next few years at minimum.

 

[thecatch]

I'll be very interested in watching MIN next year in an NBA diehard sort of way.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I'll be very interested in watching MIN next year in an NBA diehard glutton for punishment sort of way.

 

[wadegarrett]

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cliff!

 

[thecatch]

I'll be very interested in watching MIN next year in an NBA diehard glutton for punishment sort of way.

You're not curious as to how those young guys will do? Not sure what the MIN o/u will be now but I think they'll be a little bit better than people expect.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

And there it is, from Woj:

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The deal cannot be finalized until Aug. 23, because Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick, cannot be traded until one month following the signing of his rookie contract. The two teams have agreed to the deal, but neither would have recourse if the other decided to pull out of the arrangement before it can be formally completed this month. No third team is involved in the Cavaliers-Timberwolves trade agreement.

The precise deal terms have been agreed upon for weeks, but the teams and Love plan to stay silent about the particulars until the trade is announced in 16 days, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Love will join superstar LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to create the most devastating trio in the NBA and will instantly make the Cavaliers frontrunners to win an NBA championship.

Part of the Cavaliers' motivation in making the deal for Love was a belief Love would have ended up with the rival Chicago Bulls in a trade and created a significant obstacle in the Eastern Conference, sources said. Cleveland wouldn't have had the salary-cap space to sign Love next summer and could have only obtained him through the trade with Minnesota in a deal now.

Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, is the centerpiece of the package for Minnesota. The Timberwolves see superstar potential in the forward out of Kansas. Bennett, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, has shown signs of progress after a difficult start to his rookie season.

The T'wolves had hopes of unloading contracts in a Love deal, but that won't be happening. Minnesota still has a goal of freeing itself of J.J. Barea, Luc Mbah a Moute and Alexey Shved, league sources said.

Love informed the Timberwolves he will not return to the team after opting out of his contract next summer, and pushed them to make a trade for him before the start of this coming season.

Love, 25, is a three-time NBA All-Star. He averaged 26 points and 12.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season. For his career, he's averaged 19 points and 12.2 rebounds.

Unbelievable haul for Minnesota.

I think both teams are happy. I wouldn't call it 'unbelievable'. They got a much better young asset than normally goes in these type of deals, but they normally involve multiple picks. For Cleveland to only give up 1 pick means they still have at least two firsts next year (or 3 if the pick is their own 2018). Plus not having to take back any bad contracts, and keeping Haywood's $10.5 expiring to use next year? Home run for the Cavs.

 

[TobiasFunke]

And there it is, from Woj:

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The deal cannot be finalized until Aug. 23, because Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick, cannot be traded until one month following the signing of his rookie contract. The two teams have agreed to the deal, but neither would have recourse if the other decided to pull out of the arrangement before it can be formally completed this month. No third team is involved in the Cavaliers-Timberwolves trade agreement.

The precise deal terms have been agreed upon for weeks, but the teams and Love plan to stay silent about the particulars until the trade is announced in 16 days, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Love will join superstar LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to create the most devastating trio in the NBA and will instantly make the Cavaliers frontrunners to win an NBA championship.

Part of the Cavaliers' motivation in making the deal for Love was a belief Love would have ended up with the rival Chicago Bulls in a trade and created a significant obstacle in the Eastern Conference, sources said. Cleveland wouldn't have had the salary-cap space to sign Love next summer and could have only obtained him through the trade with Minnesota in a deal now.

Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, is the centerpiece of the package for Minnesota. The Timberwolves see superstar potential in the forward out of Kansas. Bennett, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, has shown signs of progress after a difficult start to his rookie season.

The T'wolves had hopes of unloading contracts in a Love deal, but that won't be happening. Minnesota still has a goal of freeing itself of J.J. Barea, Luc Mbah a Moute and Alexey Shved, league sources said.

Love informed the Timberwolves he will not return to the team after opting out of his contract next summer, and pushed them to make a trade for him before the start of this coming season.

Love, 25, is a three-time NBA All-Star. He averaged 26 points and 12.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season. For his career, he's averaged 19 points and 12.2 rebounds.

Unbelievable haul for Minnesota.

Just as great for Cleveland IMO. Love is very under-appreciated on this board.

This ensures Cleveland should be in the NBA Finals for the next few years at minimum.

They're obviously the overwhelming East favorte for at least the next two years, but they paid a massive price; easily the most any team has extracted in one of these superstar hostage type situations. Carmelo and Chris Paul are comparable talents, Wiggins alone is probably more than those guys returned for the Nuggets and Clippers.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cliff!

I'm so happy Cleveland finally caught a break. They've had just terrible luck recently.

I'll be very interested in watching MIN next year in an NBA diehard glutton for punishment sort of way.

You're not curious as to how those young guys will do? Not sure what the MIN o/u will be now but I think they'll be a little bit better than people expect.

Of course I'll be interested in watching Wiggins play; the countdown to Toronto clock will be starting very soon. The team as a whole is going to be pretty freaking bad IMO. Not sure what is expected from them, but I'm guessing they top out at about 20 wins.

Rubio/Berea

Martin/Shved/Lavine

Wiggins/Brewer/Budinger

Bennett/Moute

Pekovic/Dieng

That is a bad team unless Wiggins is really, really, really good right out of the gate. They were a terrible shooting team last season and now they've given up their best shooter for a couple guys who can't shoot and will play big minutes.

 

[thecatch]

I'll take the over on 20 wins.

 

[Abraham]

I'm not sure id call the cavs the overwhelming favorites in the east. Chicago would be my pick.

 

[rodg12]

Soooooooooooooo stupid that they can't just make this move right now.

 

[Kev4029]

Minnesota should be looking to dump Pekovic and all their glutton of mediocre wings (Budinger, Brewer, Martin, Shved, Barea).

Kendrick Perkins and Jeremy Lamb for Pekovic?

Tayshaun Prince for Kevin Martin?

Barea to the Rockets for Alonzo Gee (or just into their Lin trade exception)?

Budinger to Indiana for Copland and Sloan?

 

[Village Idiot]

I'm not sure id call the cavs the overwhelming favorites in the east. Chicago would be my pick.

Who is your pick to come out of the West Abe?

 

[TobiasFunke]

I'm not sure id call the cavs the overwhelming favorites in the east. Chicago would be my pick.

If we're pretending that players who haven't done a thing except get repeatedly injured for the last few years are suddenly gonna play like it's 2011, does that mean we have to consider the Lakers a dark horse in the West?

 

[JB Breakfast Club]

I'm not sure id call the cavs the overwhelming favorites in the east. Chicago would be my pick.

Not overwhelming, but they are now the favorite for sure. LeBron and Love are two of the top 10 players in the league, and they also have Kyrie to handle some of the offense for them. Chicago is clearly #2...huge gap to the third best team in the East.

 

[Kev4029]

They're obviously the overwhelming East favorte for at least the next two years, but they paid a massive price; easily the most any team has extracted in one of these superstar hostage type situations. Carmelo and Chris Paul are comparable talents, Wiggins alone is probably more than those guys returned for the Nuggets and Clippers.

The Nuggets got a pretty decent haul, they ended up with Gallo, Koufus, Chandler, Felton and Mozgov plus the 13th pick in the 2014 draft (Levine), and the right to swap 1st rounders in 2016 with NY. They didn't get a premier player like Wiggins, but they got a whole lot of decent players. And the Nuggets had even less leverage than the Wolves had as Melo could have signed with NY in the offseason, plus he was a lesser player. Without the Gallo injury 1.5 seasons ago, we would be looking at the Nuggets a whole lot differently right now.

 

[TobiasFunke]

They're obviously the overwhelming East favorte for at least the next two years, but they paid a massive price; easily the most any team has extracted in one of these superstar hostage type situations. Carmelo and Chris Paul are comparable talents, Wiggins alone is probably more than those guys returned for the Nuggets and Clippers.

The Nuggets got a pretty decent haul, they ended up with Gallo, Koufus, Chandler, Felton and Mozgov plus the 13th pick in the 2014 draft (Levine), and the right to swap 1st rounders in 2016 with NY. They didn't get a premier player like Wiggins, but they got a whole lot of decent players. And the Nuggets had even less leverage than the Wolves had as Melo could have signed with NY in the offseason, plus he was a lesser player. Without the Gallo injury 1.5 seasons ago, we would be looking at the Nuggets a whole lot differently right now.

Yeah they did well, and that's a good point about NY having the space to sign Melo changing the parameters. But this is still a massive haul for the Timberwolves. We all knew Love was on the move some time this offseason or before the trade deadline- would anyone have predicted anything close to Andrew Wiggins as the return, let alone with the 2013 #1 overall pick and a late first in 2015 thrown in for good measure? I think Wiggins alone is a great return- there were other ways to make the salaries work before throwing that stuff on top of the deal.

Ultimately, yeah, the Cavs made themselves better and they're in fantastic shape. But they got three #1 overall picks in four years and then LeBron in free agency. It's hard to #### that up. This is just one of many, many options they could have chosen to accelerate their timeline given the ridiculous assets bestowed on them by the lottery.

 

[JB Breakfast Club]

If the Timberwolves aren't adding a poutine stand as part of the Target Center renovations, they are missing a huge opportunity.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

If the Timberwolves aren't adding a poutine stand as part of the Target Center renovations, they are missing a huge opportunity.

Might try and make a trip down to Minny this year when they play the Cavs.

 

[metoo]

And there it is, from Woj:

The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to send All-Star forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Cleveland is making the deal with Minnesota with a firm agreement Love will opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with the Cavaliers on a five-year, $120 million-plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The deal cannot be finalized until Aug. 23, because Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick, cannot be traded until one month following the signing of his rookie contract. The two teams have agreed to the deal, but neither would have recourse if the other decided to pull out of the arrangement before it can be formally completed this month. No third team is involved in the Cavaliers-Timberwolves trade agreement.

The precise deal terms have been agreed upon for weeks, but the teams and Love plan to stay silent about the particulars until the trade is announced in 16 days, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Love will join superstar LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to create the most devastating trio in the NBA and will instantly make the Cavaliers frontrunners to win an NBA championship.

Part of the Cavaliers' motivation in making the deal for Love was a belief Love would have ended up with the rival Chicago Bulls in a trade and created a significant obstacle in the Eastern Conference, sources said. Cleveland wouldn't have had the salary-cap space to sign Love next summer and could have only obtained him through the trade with Minnesota in a deal now.

Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA draft, is the centerpiece of the package for Minnesota. The Timberwolves see superstar potential in the forward out of Kansas. Bennett, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, has shown signs of progress after a difficult start to his rookie season.

The T'wolves had hopes of unloading contracts in a Love deal, but that won't be happening. Minnesota still has a goal of freeing itself of J.J. Barea, Luc Mbah a Moute and Alexey Shved, league sources said.

Love informed the Timberwolves he will not return to the team after opting out of his contract next summer, and pushed them to make a trade for him before the start of this coming season.

Love, 25, is a three-time NBA All-Star. He averaged 26 points and 12.5 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season. For his career, he's averaged 19 points and 12.2 rebounds.

Unbelievable haul for Minnesota.

Just as great for Cleveland IMO. Love is very under-appreciated on this board.

This ensures Cleveland should be in the NBA Finals for the next few years at minimum.

They're obviously the overwhelming East favorte for at least the next two years, but they paid a massive price; easily the most any team has extracted in one of these superstar hostage type situations. Carmelo and Chris Paul are comparable talents, Wiggins alone is probably more than those guys returned for the Nuggets and Clippers.

I still say Chicago is the favorite in the east. On paper Cleveland looks weak defensively.

 

[Kev4029]

I'm not sure id call the cavs the overwhelming favorites in the east. Chicago would be my pick.

Who is starting at the 2/3 next to Butler? Who is starting at the 4? If its Gibson, the Gibson/Noah lineup wasn't terribly effective last year, if its Gasol, I think we have figured out that he is much better at center than he is at power forward by now.

If the Bulls are going to get to the finals, Rose is going to have to be at least as good as he was before the injury, and they are going to have to hope that Butler improves and their older bigs don't decline (Noah will be 30 by midseason, Gasol just turned 34, Gibson just turned 29). Their bench should be decent this year though with Brooks, McD, Gibson/Pau, Mirotic, and Hinrich/Dunleavy, which is something you couldn't say about Chicago in years.

 

[shader]

I just don't like this move by Cleveland. But then, I'm primarily an NBA playoffs guy, not a guy who sits around and watches a lot of regular season basketball....so I haven't seen Love play much.

 

[metoo]

I just don't like this move by Cleveland. But then, I'm primarily an NBA playoffs guy, not a guy who sits around and watches a lot of regular season basketball....so I haven't seen Love play much.

I'm not a fan of the deal either. Love and Irving miss too many games.

 

[JB Breakfast Club]

I just don't like this move by Cleveland. But then, I'm primarily an NBA playoffs guy, not a guy who sits around and watches a lot of regular season basketball....so I haven't seen Love play much.

I'm not a fan of the deal either. Love and Irving miss too many games.

Love had one injury plagued season with the broken hand...he played 73 of 82 games in 2010-11, all 55 games in 2011-12, and 77 of 82 games last year.

 

[Premier]

I'll take the over on 20 wins.

Really? Man this seems like an 18 win team to me. Who is going to score here?

 

[thecatch]

I'll take the over on 20 wins.

Really? Man this seems like an 18 win team to me. Who is going to score here?

You have to be really, really bad to win fewer than 20. LAL and UTA won 27 and 25 games respectively, last year, with terrible rosters.

 

[Cjw_55106]

Nice deal for the Wolves, all things considered.

 

[Juxtatarot]

I'm not sure id call the cavs the overwhelming favorites in the east. Chicago would be my pick.

Who is starting at the 2/3 next to Butler? Who is starting at the 4? If its Gibson, the Gibson/Noah lineup wasn't terribly effective last year, if its Gasol, I think we have figured out that he is much better at center than he is at power forward by now.

If the Bulls are going to get to the finals, Rose is going to have to be at least as good as he was before the injury, and they are going to have to hope that Butler improves and their older bigs don't decline (Noah will be 30 by midseason, Gasol just turned 34, Gibson just turned 29). Their bench should be decent this year though with Brooks, McD, Gibson/Pau, Mirotic, and Hinrich/Dunleavy, which is something you couldn't say about Chicago in years.

You're right that there are a lot of question marks. Thibs has stated that he'll figure out who is starting and what the rotation is in training camp. My guess is that Gibson and McDermott start.

All the reviews of Rose with the U.S. team have been positive to his athleticism and hopefully playing with the team helps him reduce the rust that we saw last year. Whether he'll stay healthy if another big question mark, of course.

The big difference between the Bulls and Cavs will be defense. Bulls will likely be a top 3 defensive team again. Cavs? Lower half? The other issue with the Cavs is Love's numbers will certainly decline. He goes from the main man on the Wolves to a 3rd option. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I'll take the over on 20 wins.

Really? Man this seems like an 18 win team to me. Who is going to score here?

You have to be really, really bad to win fewer than 20. LAL and UTA won 27 and 25 games respectively, last year, with terrible rosters.

Minny is going to be really, really bad. Their go to guys are going to be Pekovic and Martin