The Chicago Bulls are reportedly making moves to acquire Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are still the favorites to land the All-Star forward.
ESPN reported on Tuesday that the Bulls are making a late push to get into the picture for Love, and sources indicated that Chicago will be the biggest threat to the Cavaliers in the race to acquire the versatile power forward.
According to reports, the Bulls might offer a trade package involving Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler along with several assets such as future picks.
The Bulls were interested in trading for Love since the 25-year-old forward turned down a contract extension with the Timberwolves, but they temporarily shelved their interest after pursuing Carmelo Anthony, who eventually returned to the New York Knicks.
But while the Bulls are now being considered as another potential trade destination for Love, the Cavaliers are confident that about their chances, with sources indicating that their front office are convinced that they are making significant progress in talks to acquire the former UCLA standout.
"The Cavs firmly believe they are progressing toward a trade framework that the Minnesota Timberwolves will accept in exchange for Love and enable Cleveland to pair the versatile big man with Team USA teammate LeBron James," ESPN's Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst wrote.
Sources said that the Cavaliers might move 2014 first overall pick Andrew Wiggins, 2014 first overall pick Anthony Bennett, and future first-round pick in a deal for Love, which would also include another player to match the salary and satisfy the league's trade rules.
The Bulls and the Golden State Warriors were considered as the most likely destination of Love earlier in the offseason, but the Cavaliers overtook both teams after LeBron James decided to return to Cleveland.
The Warriors were still in talks with the Timberwolves last week, but talks between the two clubs have reportedly ended after Golden State remained firm that they won't trade shooting guard Klay Thompson.
The Cavaliers acquired the non-guaranteed contracts of John Lucas, Malcolm Thomas, and Erik Murphy from Utah Jazz in exchange for Carrick Felix and a future second-round pick - a deal which is believed to be related to their pursuit of Love.
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