The Cleveland Cavaliers are rumored to be offering up prized top draft pick Andrew Wiggins as part of an overall plan to bring native son LeBron James back to his hometown and the organization.
Several media outlets reported early Wednesday that the Cavs have offered Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in last month’s NBA draft, to the Minnesota Timberwolves for disgruntled All-Star forward Kevin Love.
Earlier in the day, the Cavs shipped veteran guard Jarrett Jack to the Brooklyn Nets, a move many speculate was prompted by the team’s desperate attempt to clear more salary cap space in their chase for James.
“Source says Cavs pursuing a big name,” a source told FoxNews.com. “Won’t give names, but hearing from other sources outside organization big” is Kevin Love.
The 29-year-old James spent the first seven years of his career in Cleveland with the Cavs before announcing he was leaving for Miami after the 2010 season via a live press conference billed as “The Decision.”
The move set off a frenzy in Cleveland with some fans taking to the street to burn his jersey in anger and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert penning a letter that branded him a “coward” and a “traitor” not worthy of the people of Cleveland. The letter was only removed from the team’s website earlier this week when front execs began to attempt to recruit the four-time champion and two-time NBA champ in earnest.
Thus far, James’ four seasons in South Beach have been historic, with himself and Big 3 teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh advancing to play in four straight championship series and at one point winning back-to-back titles.
ESPN has previously reported Love is already on record in asserting he would definitely “100 percent” stay in Cleveland and ink a long-term deal with the team if he were dealt there and James were to become a teammate.
