Where will Kevin Love end up?

The Kevin Love saga is continuing to unfold and in fact, it’s gradually reaching its peak, as we get closer to the free agency period. Up to now, there is no clear indication about which uniform the 25 – year old megastar will wear next season. The only thing we can be almost certain about is that he will not be a part of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Amongst all the teams which have entered the race for Love, the Golden State Warriors seem to have the capability of forming the best offer but also to offer a winning environment to Love. So are they the ultimate front runners? And can they acquire Love much sooner than the beginning of the 2014 – 2015 season?

There are two variables in this equation. One of them is Love’s choice. It will be essential for the team which will trade for Love to secure a long-term deal with him. In other words, don’t expect any team interesting in landing him to trade away some valuable assets without the assurance that a long-term contract will be signed. So, unless Love wants to play for that particular team, it will be difficult for it to acquire him.

The other variable in this equation is the exchange the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to get out of this deal. The Wolves want to sell high at this point, and they don’t care that much if Love will head to a destination where he will be happy or if he will win rings. All they want is to get the maximum out of this deal, whether this means acquiring one or more capable players, receiving draft picks or a combination of the two.

Whilst Love expressed his desire to play in New York and although he has also been flirting with the Los Angeles Lakers since the beginning of 2013 – 2014 season, those legendary teams don’t have the assets needed offer to the Wolves as an exchange for Love. The Boston Celtics are not in a much better position either. In fact, it’s the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors and maybe the Houston Rockets which currently have the most to offer.

Phoenix has six first-round picks over the next two drafts and Houston could ship significant value to Minnesota while forming its Big Three with Harden, Howard and Love. Nonetheless, the Golden State Warriors seem to be capable to place the best offer on the table. If they form a deal which will include David Lee, Harrison Barnes and a few other assets, leaving Klay Thompson out of the package, not only will the Wolves will find enough value but they will also form a powerhouse in the West. Just imagine how deadly a starting lineup which would include Love, Thompson, Curry and Iguodala would be. The Dubs will instantly become by far the best three-point shooting team in the NBA and on top of that, Love seems to be a perfect match with Andrew Bogut. With Steve Kerr in the house, Golden State is ready for the beginning of a brand new era.

Kevin Love to the Warriors makes much sense, for every side involved in such a trade.