Report: Cavs Now Offering Wiggins In Deal For Love

The domino effect since LeBron James announced he was going back to Cleveland has been extraordinary, never more so than with the Cavs themselves. Sharpshooters Mike Miller and James Jones signed with Cleveland, and now it appears 2014 No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins has been included in Cleveland’s latest offer to acquire Kevin Love from the Timberwolves.

We hinted at this possibility when James failed to mention Wiggins in his bombshell with Sports Illustrated announcing his decision 2.0, but Cleveland’s new coach, David Blatt, and Wiggins’ own camp all believed the top pick in the 2014 NBA Draft wouldn’t be involved in any trade for Love.

The ‘Wolves, for their part, refused to acknowledge any offers for Love unless Wiggins was included in the package. So, we all thought that was the end of Love teaming up with LeBron in a new Eastern Conference powerhouse.

That thinking appears premature after Bob Finnan of the News-Herald‘s report the Cavs are indeed dangling Wiggins and others in a deal to acquire the 26-year-old power forward many believe is one of the best in the game:

Ever since LeBron James returned to Cleveland, talks have intensified for All-Star power forward Kevin Love.

Rumors have surfaced that the Cavaliers wouldn’t include rookie swingman Andrew Wiggins in any possible deal for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ star.

A league source said on July 17 that the Cavs are now willing to trade the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft.

Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today confirms Finnan’s report, and now we’re left to ponder the ramifications of such a move:

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A source tells Finnan that LeBron wants the 6-10 all-star Love on the roster, and what LeBron wants, LeBron usually gets.

After turning down an earlier offer of Anthony Bennett, Dion Waiters and a first-round pick, the latest offer includes Wiggins, Bennett, a first-round pick and perhaps Branden Haywood — who has a non-guaranteed contract which could wipe millions off Minney’s books if they pull the trigger.

Love has said he would “100 percent” sign an extension with Cleveland if LeBron landed there in free agency and is “intrigued” by the possibility of joining James and Kyrie Irving for the long haul.

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The Cavs were hesitant about dealing for Love before LeBron’s announcement because he wouldn’t agree to sign a long-term extension. Next summer Love has a player option, which he’s said he’ll exercise to become an unrestricted free agent.

Then again, the ‘Wolves have been adamant they don’t need to deal Love before next season, adds the AP’s Jon Krawczynski, who also says general manager’s around the league feel the ‘Wolves are bluffing to raise the stakes needed in order to land Love in a trade.

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‘Wolves owner Glen Taylor reiterated that stance when he was interviewed by NBA TV in Vegas on Wednesday, saying “My preference is that Kevin will come to (training) camp — and I’m sure he will — and play with the team.”

Now, with the last two No. 1 picks in the draft, plus a future first rounder and a Haywood contract they can waive to open up cap space, the ‘Wolves have to think long and hard about accepting Cleveland’s latest offer.

For Wiggins, it could be a brief stay with the Cavs. With Kyrie, Love and James it would also turn Cleveland into the favorites in the Eastern Conference entering the 2014-15 season.

Is this a good deal for the Cavs? For the ‘Wolves?

Follow Spencer on Twitter at @SpencerTyrel.

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