MOSCOW, August 24 (RIA Novosti) - American basketball player Kevin Love has been acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three team trade deal, General Manager David Griffin from the Cleveland Clinic Courts announced yesterday, according to the NBA’s website.
The $6.3 million deal sees the three-time NBA All-Star forward Love joining newly returned Lebron James and Kyrie Irving to create one of the most powerful starting lineups in the NBA.
“Kevin joining the Cavaliers represents a very special and unique opportunity for our team. 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,” said Griffin on the NBA’s website in an official release. “We want to also wish Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett the best as they will continue the start of their careers in Minnesota. They are both outstanding young men that have great potential on the court and long, very successful careers ahead of them.”
The trade deal has been in negotiations for many weeks now and has been the topic of much speculation and analysis by experts. A verbal agreement was finally reached on August 6, according to Yahoo Sports Adrian Wojnarowski. The trade deal could not go through until August 23, however, because it was necessary that rookie Andrew Wiggins’ contract pass the 30 day mark.
In return for Love, the Cavs offered No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins and forward Anthony Bennett to the Minnesota Timberwolves and a 1st round draft pick to the Philadelphia 76ers. Minnesota will also acquire Thaddeus Young from the Sixers. The deal comes exactly 30 days after the Cavs signed No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins to a rookie contract.
The trade solidifies Cleveland’s new position one of, if not the most dominant team in the Eastern NBA conference. Love will join Lebron James, an Ohio native and the best player in the NBA and Kyrie Iriving in hopes of being able to bring home a Championship. James, who acquired two championship rings with the Miami Heat, decided to return home in his quest to finally win a championship for his fellow Ohioans.
