All along, the Knicks were preparing for the distinct possibility Kevin Love would never make it to 2015 free agency, that they would need to potentially do a sign-and-extend trade similar to the way they obtained Carmelo Anthony.
A report Sunday said Love has already told Minnesota officials he will not sign a contract extension this summer and will become a free agent in July, when their chances would appear bleak. Hence, rampant speculation is Love will be traded by the Timberwolves either this summer or by February’s trade deadline.
According to an NBA source, Knicks president Phil Jackson has been plotting to be involved in making something happen with Love via a trade.
However, the report stated rather than the Lakers and the Knicks being Love’s top two choices, the power forward is more interested in Golden State and Chicago. It’s unclear if Steve Kerr knew Love’s preference when he chose to coach the Warriors, but it’s very possible.
Adding Love to the Knicks’ mix with their 2015 cap space is one of the selling points for Anthony to stay in New York. It’s doubtful a team would trade Love for just a rental. Another source said the Lakers also will make a monster push at trading for Love, who played at UCLA.
The Knicks believe they have the expiring contracts — Tyson Chandler and Iman Shumpert in particular — the Wolves might want so Minnesota can keep cap space to go after the star-studded 2015 free agent class.
But the Knicks can’t give up a first-round pick until 2018. Saving that 2018 first-round pick for a potential Love deal was one of the factors in the Knicks deciding not to offer it to Toronto during Kyle Lowry talks.