Report: Timberwolves interested in Thad Young to replace Kevin Love
The Minnesota Timberwolves have expressed interest in replacing disgruntled star Kevin Love with Philadelphia 76ers power forward Thaddeus Young, reports ESPN.com's Marc Stein.
The Timberwolves have reportedly received several offers for Love after he made it known he would not re-sign with Minnesota after the 2014-15 season. One such offer, which Stein reports Minnesota prefers, is centered around Cleveland Cavaliers 2014 No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins. LeBron James has reportedly called Love to tell him of his interest in playing together in Cleveland.
Wiggins signed his rookie deal with Cleveland last week, meaning he cannot be traded for 30 days.
More: Kevin Love trade rumors, buzz
If the Timberwolves do indeed trade Love, they could seek Young as a replacement. The 26-year-old forward posted a career-high 17.9 points per game last season, along with 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
Young has shot 32.1 percent from three-point range for his career. Though lower than Love's career percentage (36.2), Young could replace some of Love's ability to stretch the floor.
Stein reports it's unclear whether Philadelphia would trade Young, but the 76ers have been aggressive in dealing veterans since beginning their rebuild. Philadelphia traded former All-Star guard Jrue Holiday last summer and dealt Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner before last season's trade deadline.
Young has two years and $19.3 million remaining on his contract. The second year is a player option.
- Alex Hampl