Report: Warriors Willing To Include Thompson In Potential Love Trade
(CBS) There may be a game-changer in the Kevin Love sweepstakes.
As reports suggest that the Timberwolves want some proven NBA talent that can contribute immediately in return for their star, the Warriors have now expressed a willingness to include shooting guard Klay Thompson in a potential Love deal, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. That's significant because Golden State previously appeared reluctant to part ways with Thompson, but if the Warriors are willing to do so, they could put together what's likely the best package of proven players -- as opposed to a deal that's centered around draft picks, which the Celtics, for example, would have to offer.
ESPN sources say Golden State has indeed made Klay Thompson available to Wolves, greatly increasingly Warriors' hopes of getting Kevin Love
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 19, 2014
In addition to Thompson, the Warriors could also include some combination of David Lee, Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green.
On Wednesday, the Boston Globe's Baxter Holmes reported the Bulls were a "frontrunner" in the Love sweepstakes along with the Warriors and also the Nuggets.
If the Warriors don't make a deal for Love, the Bulls could put together their own package of proven players centered around power forward Taj Gibson and wing Jimmy Butler, both potential starters. As it sits, the Warriors' offer with Thompson would probably be more desirable, as he's among the elite shooting guards -- a position that lacks depth across the league.
As it remains for the Bulls, signing Carmelo Anthony remains the ideal plan, according to reports, but their role in the Love sweepstakes could be accelerated if he's traded around next Thursday's NBA Draft.