The Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly re-opened talks about a potential trade involving All-Star forward Kevin Love, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday.
Sources indicated that top executives of both teams had a face-to-face meeting in Las Vegas where the Summer League is being held to re-engage in Love trade discussions.
According to previous reports, the Warriors offered David Lee and Harrison Barnes along with a future first-round draft pick for Love, but the Timberwolves turned down the offer, insisting that sharp-shooting guard Klay Thompson should be included in the deal.
"Timberwolves president and coach Flip Saunders was seen talking to Warriors GM Bob Myers at the arena on Sunday as the two sides look to bridge the gaps that caused discussions to stall. The Warriors have been reluctant to include shooting guard Klay Thompson in any package," AP noted via NBA.com.
Sources close to the situation said that the deal will push through only if the Warriors decide to part ways with Thompson, who averaged a career-best 18.4 points last season to go along with 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
However, Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports reported on Tuesday that newly-named Warriors coach Steve Kerr called Thompson to give the 24-year-old guard an assurance that he will not be dealt, which could force the two teams to end the trade talks anew.
The Warriors were previously considered as the frontrunners in the race to acquire Love, who has been on trading block after turning down a contract extension from the Timberwolves.
Aside from the Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers are now strongly interested in acquiring the 25-year-old power forward, who also expressed interest in moving to the Cavs after LeBron James returned to his old team.
The Cavaliers allegedly tendered a trade package involving Dion Waiters and Anthony Bennett along with a future first-round pick, but Saunders also turned down the offer, sending a strong signal to the Cavs that they won't trade Love unless first overall pick Andrew Wiggins will be included in the deal.
Saunders have been remaining firm on his stance on Love's situation. He is reportedly willing to take a gamble next season unless an attractive offer comes along.
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