The Cleveland Cavaliers have finally shown a willingness to put Andrew Wiggins in a trade for the Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Love, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
While no deal is imminent, this development jump-starts the conversation between the two teams. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of negotiations.
Minnesota has been adamant that any deal with the Cavs for Love include Wiggins. Cleveland had been reluctant to include the No. 1 overall pick in June's draft in trade talks. It remains unclear what else the T'wolves would want in a trade and whether that will be enough to get a deal done.
Right now, the T'wolves are playing hardball for teams who want the All-Star power forward. Cleveland has numerous young players and several future draft picks to offer, but Wiggins is high on Minnesota's priority list. USA TODAY Sports previously reported the Golden State Warriors balked at including shooting guard Klay Thompson in a trade for Love, but their interest remains.
Love is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds a game. He can opt out his contract after this season, meaning teams that look to trade for him may want a commitment that he won't leave after one year. That option also puts pressure on the T'wolves to trade him before losing him for nothing.
But Wiggins was drafted No. 1 with considerable hype. He is averaging 13.7 points, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks in summer league action the past week and is expected to play well with LeBron James, who signed with the Cavs last weekend.
Love also would be a great fit with James, replicating the stretch big man role played so well by Chris Bosh for James' Miami Heat's four consecutive NBA Finals runs. Love played with James for Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics.
GALLERY: Kevin Love through the years
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