Timberwolves owner: Kevin Love trade likely to happen later this month

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor says that a trade sending forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers will most likely happen later this month when top pick Andrew Wiggins is available to be dealt.

Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor says that a trade involving All-Star forward Kevin Love will most likely happen later this month, with the Cleveland Cavaliers the probable partner.

The trade is dependent on sending 2014 No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins and other assets to Minnesota. Last week, ESPN.com reported that the Cavaliers appear to be the front-runner in talks to acquire Love.

Per NBA rules, Wiggins can’t be traded until Aug. 23 since he has already signed his rookie deal.

"I'm saying it's most likely because Kevin has made it pretty clear that that's what he wants to do," Wolves owner Glen Taylor told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

More: Kevin Love trade rumors, buzz

Love has not indicated if he would sign a contract extension with either team at the end of next season, when he can opt out of his deal. Love, 25, has averaged 19.2 points and 12.2 rebounds in his six seasons with the Timberwolves.

"I think when you move somebody like Kevin, who's been an All-Star, that you've got to get a number of players on your team that have the potential of replacing him," Taylor said. "Flip (Saunders, Wolves president) has looked at this team and offensively, he's got a pretty good team. Defensively, it's got to be better, so I think that's where some of the areas will be replaced."

- Scooby Axson