NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Latest News for Cavs, Timberwolves, Knicks, Rockets, Lakers, Suns, Kings

NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Latest News for Cavs, Timberwolves, Knicks, Rockets, Lakers, Suns, Kings
(AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt, File)
Zachary Stieber
7/11/2014
Updated:
7/13/2014

Trade rumors for several key players--principally Kevin Love--are still flying around.

Check out the latest buzz below.

Kevin Love to Cleveland?

The Cavs have LeBron and they now want to bolster the roster even more by acquiring star forward Kevin Love.

Love, a power forward at the Minnesota Timberwolves, only has one year left on his contract and has told Minnesota management that he wants out, prompting trade rumors.

The team wants to deal him so they can get something in return as opposed to nothing.

ESPN’s Tony Rizzo reported that the Cavs have submitted an offer to the Timberwolves for Love. “The ball is in Minnesota’s court.”

Sports Illustrated notes that obtaining Love may cost No. 1 draft pick Andrew Wiggins. The Timberwolves reportedly don’t want just draft picks for Love, meaning the team wants a good player or two as well.

However, Wiggins’ camp told Yahoo on Friday that they believe he won’t be traded for Love.

Two other teams reportedly in contention for Love are the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics.

Carmelo Anthony Trade to Bulls?

Carmelo Anthony was deciding between the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. The latter would have probably required a sign-and-trade. But he decided on the Knicks.

“A few years ago I dreamed of coming back to New York City, the place of my birth, and on February 23, 2011 that became a reality. This organization has supported me and in return, I want to stay and build here with this city and my team. At this pivotal juncture in my career, I owed it to myself and my family to explore all of the options available to me. Through it all, my heart never wavered,” he told fans via his website.

“During this journey I met with some quality organizations who have amazing talent and leadership. I thank them for their consideration, belief in my talent, and opportunity to imagine the possibilities. I will always remember this chapter in my life. In the end, I am a New York Knick at heart. I am looking forward to continue my career in Orange & Blue and to work with Phil Jackson, a champion who builds championship teams. Madison Square Garden is the mecca of basketball and I am surrounded by the greatest fans in the world.”

Jeremy Lin to Lakers

Jeremy Lin is still on his way to the Los Angeles Lakers, even after the Houston Rockets failed to land coveted forward Chris Bosh in free agency.

The Rockets still plan to execute the trade that will send the point guard to Los Angeles for cash, two people with knowledge of the deal said on Saturday. The people requested anonymity because the trade has not been officially announced.

The bold move left the Rockets on the outside looking in again, but GM Daryl Morey Morey had no second thoughts about dumping Lin, who didn’t mesh well playing in the same backcourt with the equally aggressive James Harden. 

Lin earned his big contract with the Rockets thanks to a fantastic midseason run with the New York Knicks in 2012, when the “Linsanity” phenomenon was born. He’s the kind of dynamic, shoot-first point guard that has become more and more popular in the league over the last few seasons, which should help the Lakers, who have pass-first Kendall Marshall and the oft-injured Steve Nash on the roster as well.

Lin averaged 12.5 points and 4.1 assists last season, but he lost his starting job alongside the defensively deficient Harden because coach Kevin McHale preferred Patrick Beverley’s tenacity on that end of the floor.

But with Bryant likely needing some time to ease back into things after missing almost all of last season and gifted offensive big man Pau Gasol likely on his way out, Lin will provide some much-needed offensive punch to a rebuilding Lakers roster.

Suns Acquire Isaiah Thomas

The Phoenix Suns officially announced the acquisition of point guard Isaiah Thomas on Saturday in a sign-and-trade deal with the Sacramento Kings.

The deal had been reported by multiple outlets on Friday.

The Suns envision Thomas as a complement to their double point guard starting lineup of Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe.

“Isaiah is one of the most dynamic scorers and playmakers in the NBA,” said Ryan McDonough, general manager of the Suns. “I have always admired his competitive spirit and his love for the game.”

The 5-foot-9 Thomas averaged 20.3 points and 6.3 assists for the Kings last season, his third in the NBA, and was a restricted free agent. He was one of six players to average at least 20 points and six assists in 2013-14.

“He will be a great fit for our up-tempo attack,” McDonough said in the news release announcing the acquisition, “and he will help solidify what we believe is the best backcourt in the league.”

Sacramento gets the rights to forward Alex Oriakhi, Phoenix’s second-round draft pick a year ago. The Kings also get a $7 million trade exemption.

The Kings believed Thomas was expendable after their recent agreement to sign point guard Darren Collison.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.