NBA: Kevin Love traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
Kevin Love has been traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team deal which also involved the Philadelphia 76ers.
The trade was made official on Saturday night, setting Love up to join LeBron James in a new-look Cavaliers side.
Minnesota were given Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett, both selected by Cleveland with No 1 overall draft picks in the last two years, and Philadelphia forward Thaddeus Young.
The 76ers have been given a 2015 first round draft pick from Cleveland and two players from the Timberwolves – guard Alexey Shved and forward Luc Mbah a Moute.
Cleveland have been attempting to land Love in a trade since before James returned from the Miami Heat, and the addition of two of the NBA’s biggest stars has transformed the Cavaliers into one of the favourites for next season’s title.
“Kevin joining the Cavaliers represents a very special and unique opportunity for our team,” Cavaliers general manager David Griffin said.
“At only 25, Kevin has already firmly established himself as one the NBA’s elite players and his talent, versatility and fit are major parts of our team’s vision for success.”
Cleveland finished last season with a record of 33-49 and have not qualified for the playoffs since James left to join the Heat four years ago.
