Report: Bulls offer Gibson, McDermott and Mirotic for Love
The Chicago Bulls are offering veteran forward Taj Gibson plus rookies Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Kevin Love, reports Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com.
The Bulls recently became a potential trade partner for Minnesota, joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in their reported Love interest.
The trade can't be pulled off for another month because McDermott and Mirotic signed their rookie deals Tuesday, and league rules ban rookies from being dealt in the first 30 days after signing their contract.
More: Kevin Love trade rumors, buzz
The Cavaliers were thought to be the frontrunners for Love, reportedly preparing to send 2014 No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins, 2013 No. 1 selection Anthony Bennett and a future first-round pick to Minnesota for the forward.
More from Sheridan Hoops:
But if Cleveland is willing to include a second future No. 1 pick (Cleveland owns the rights to Miami’s first rounder as well as Memphis’ in 2015), it might be enough to trump Chicago’s offer.
According to the report, the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics also remain in contention for Love.
Rare and classic photos of Kevin Love
Rare Photos of Kevin Love
Kevin Love is a two-time All-Star and the NBA's Most Improved Player in 2010-11. Here's a look at the Timberwolves' power forward before he made it big in the pros ... going all the way back to 1989, when he was just 6 months old.
Love knew he was destined for a career in hoops, even at 2 years old.
Rocking a sweet Jerry West jersey.
Love finished his high school career at Lake Oswego High in Oregon as the all-time leading scorer in state history with 2,628 points, breaking a 50-year-old record. He also led the Lakers (yes, the Lakers) to a state title.
Love attended the 2004 Nike All-American Basketball Camp in Indianapolis, Ind., but controversy ensued when he chose to play in Reebok's ABCD Camp.
Here he is in 2006, donning his Denver Nuggets-colored ABCD jersey.
Getting chippy at ABCD camp!
You know you're big time when people want your autograph in high school.
The 2007 McDonald's All-American National High School Player of the Year shot hoops with Quentin Harris during a visit to a Ronald McDonald House in Louisville.
Because who wouldn't want an autographed Topps card of Greg Oden from the McDonald's All-American game?
Love, then at UCLA, hangs out with USC standout O.J. Mayo on the set of a photo shoot for SI.
He'd be wise to frame this photo.
Just hanging out at the Pac-10 Media Day.
No, that's not awkward.
No, he did not think (at least, we hope he didn't) this was a good look. It was merely "Kurt Rambis Night" at the Target Center.
Love, with UCLA teammate and future Oklahoma City Thunder point guard, Russell Westbrook, joking around during 2010 NBA All-Star weekend in Dallas.
Love interviewed NBA legend Robert Horry before Game 1 of the 2009 Finals between the Magic and Lakers at Staples Center in L.A.
While helping Team USA to a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, Love spent his off time touring Europe. Check him out in front of the Acropolis in Athens.
He and his father and former NBA player, Stan Love, dined at the Four Seasons in Istanbul during the World Championship.
- Scooby Axson