Kevin Love is expected to become one of the most coveted players on the trade front this offseason until next season' trade deadline after saying that he will not sign an extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Previous reports indicated that the Chicago Bulls and the Golden State Warriors are Love's preferred destination as he is looking to win quickly, but NBA analyst Sam Smith reported that the Los Angeles Lakers are still the favorite to land the All-Star power forward.
The Timberwolves, as expected, denied rumors that they are shopping Love, but they will have no other choice if they don't want to lose Love without getting anything in return.
However, trading Love will be easier said than done because a potential trade partner will make sure that Love will sign a long-term extension before striking a deal.
This is the reason why the Lakers are still the most likely landing spot for Love, who is a native of Santa Monica and played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins.
"People I know around the Lakers still believe he wants to return there. Someone with the Warriors predicted he'd go there," Smith wrote.
Meanwhile, aside from Love, Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo is also expected to be mentioned in several trade talks this offseason.
Celtics president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, has been firm on his stance on Rondo's situation, but analysts are convinced that Ainge will eventually trade Rondo - for the right price.
Ainge is expected to ask for special assets in any trade for Rondo, but Steve Bulpett of Boston Herald is not sure whether or not the Celtics will get what they are looking for in any deal for Rondo.
According to Bulpett, teams are hesitating to give up assets for Rondo because they are concerned with the attitude and consistency of the 28-year-old point guard.
"In terms of his value, Rondo is seen around the league as one of the game's top handful of players when he's on. But some general managers have expressed concern about his personality and the consistency issues that Ainge has mentioned in the past," Bulpett wrote.
Rondo, who returned from an ACL injury halfway through this season, averaged 11.7 points to go along with 9.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 30 games.
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