After weeks of speculation, the most predictable NBA trade of all-time finally went through Thursday.
According to reports, the Cavs have agreed to trade No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins to Minnesota for three-time All-Star stud Kevin Love. However, Cleveland is also sending 2013 No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett and a 2015 first round draft pick. Word is that Minnesota also wanted to unload a few unwanted contracts but the deal was completed without such additions. Which brings us to our only caveat…
The deal is simply a firm handshake as of right now. Since Wiggins was signed just two weeks ago, the trade cannot conclude until August 23. Wiggins cannot be traded until after one month following the signing of his rookie contract.
What this means for Minnesota
The T’Wolves get the best possible scenario out of a crappy situation. Love is definitely a top 15 player and made it clear he wanted to move elsewhere, notifying the team he wouldn’t re-sign after the 2014-15 season. By trading him now they get a tremendous return: Wiggins, who could very well likely be the next NBA superstar (think a young Kobe Bryant), Bennett, who most certainly won’t live up to his No. 1 pick status but could mature until a perennial All-Star, and then they get a future first round pick. Minnesota could actually improve their team with this trade in the long run.
What this means for Cleveland
LeBron will be 30 years-old. It’s obvious he wants to win now. There is no other reason for this trade. Wiggins is as talented as any draft pick in the history of the game and will likely be better than Love will ever be. However, Love is a better player now and plays power forward, a position that LeBron likes to avoid if possible. With Love, LeBron and Kyrie Irving leading the team, Cleveland — not Miami — is now home to the NBA’s new ‘Big Three,’ and they’ll be ready to make a title run out of the lethargic East. The only other team that will contend in the conference will be the Chicago Bulls, who are led by Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol, an under-rated Jimmy Butler and rookie sensation Doug McDermott.
Related: NBA Draft 2014: Winners and Losers
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: Getty
