Kevin Love trade terms set, T-Wolves get Bennett, Wiggins, 2015 1st rounder

The trade everyone felt was going to happen is going to happen.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to terms regarding a trade that would have Kevin Love join LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to form a new “Big Three” in Ohio.

In exchange for Love, the Timberwolves will get the last two number one overall picks, Anthony Bennett and Andrew Wiggins, plus a protected first rounder for 2015. 

Love on the other hand, has an agreement with the Cavs to opt out in the summer of 2015, before re-signing with the team for about $120 million over five years.

The trade cannot be consummated however until August 23 (US time), because Wiggins can’t be traded for 30 days after signing his rookie deal. 

This past Las Vegas Summer League, Wiggins played in four games, averaging 15.5 points on 40.5 percent shooting (15.4 percent from 3pt), 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks. Bennett on the other hand, after a subpar rookie year, normed 13.3 markers and 7.8 boards.

Love on the other hand is a three-time NBA All-Star who put up a career-best 26.1 points and 4.4 assists, in addition to 12.5 rebounds and 0.7 steals during the 2013-14 season. 

The Timberwolves were previously listening to offers from the Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls, but those two franchises couldn’t trump the offer of the Cavaliers. 

That said, the Timberwolves were reportedly looking to dump salary, particularly the contracts of players like Kevin Martin, Luc Mbah a Moute, JJ Barea and Alexey Shved. They were unable to do so with this trade. 

However, with nothing but a handshake in place, should a better come up prior to August 23, there’ll be nothing stopping Minnesota from reneging on this arrangement with the Cavs. 

Earlier today, Cleveland announced that they have formally signed former Heat sharpshooters Mike Miller and James Jones. The team could still look to add Ray Allen, another gunner from James’ time in South Beach, though they have also been in talks with forward Shawn Marion.