Could Kevin Love help the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The Minnesota Timberwolves might not be done making moves before the season starts.
After losing Julius Randle and Naz Reid in the offseason, the Timberwolves had a big hole to fill in their frontcourt.
They made attempts at landing unrestricted free agent LeBron James, but he joined the Philadelphia 76ers to fill a similar void in the City of Brotherly Love. They were able to convince Jonathan Kuminga to join them in a starting role alongside LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert.
Though the addition of Kuminga solidifies their starting lineup, the frontcourt could still use some help in the depth department.
A Franchise Icon Returns?
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, there is mutual interest between Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Love was drafted fifth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008, but was part of a draft night trade that sent him to the Timberwolves. He spent his first six seasons in Minnesota, where he was a three-time All-Star and finished top eleven in MVP voting twice.
He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 and won a championship alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in 2016.
The 37-year-old forward spent last season with the Utah Jazz, but still played 16 minutes a night. He averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 39% shooting from the field and 37% from three.
How Much Would He Help?
Love isn’t a game-changer for the Timberwolves, but he could be a very valuable addition. As it stands, their frontcourt depth behind Kuminga and Gobert is Trey Lyles and Joan Beringer. Lyles spent last season in the EuroLeague, and it remains to be seen if he can be an effective NBA player after a strong stint overseas. Beringer is a sophomore who played limited minutes during his rookie season.
If nothing else, Love can eat minutes during the regular season and still help in the spacing and rebounding department. If Lyles’ shooting from the EuroLeague doesn’t translate to the NBA, where he is a career 34% shooter from deep, Love can pick up the slack in that department.
On top of being a regular season minutes eater, his voice in the locker room can add value. The Timberwolves have playoff experience, but no one on the roster has the kind of championship experience that Love does. He’s been to multiple Finals and won one of the most impressive championships in NBA history.
For a team looking to get over the hump, Love can help push them in the right direction.
