Kevin Love To Test Free Agent Market Next Summer

Minnesota Timberwolves three-time all star power forward Kevin Love has informed the team that does not plan on signing an extension and that he plans on testing the market when he becomes a free agent at the end of next season.

It was pretty obvious that Love was going to take this route since the Timberwolves have failed to make the playoffs since Kevin Garnett's MVP run in the 2003-04 season; Kevin Love wasn't drafted until 2008.

The Timberwolves were initially not planning on trading Love and were hoping to show their all star forward why he should stay in Minnesota. Since the news broke of Love not wanting to sign an extension the Wolves have softened their stance and are now listening to offers.

The 10 year hiatus from the playoffs is the main reason Love is looking to switch allegiances and move to a team that is an immediate contender.

Not surprisingly the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets and New York Knicks are at the top of the list of teams to try and make a move for Love. It is expected that just about every team in the NBA will come calling for a chance to snag Love and add them to their rosters. 

The Timberwolves will be looking to get a high first round pick in this years talented draft, as well as some experience players that can keep the team relevant until they are done rebuilding, as they have for the last 10 years.

I found an interesting article on ESPN.com showing different scenarios for a Kevin Love trade if the Timberwolves decide to go that route, "Wolves' menu of options for Love". Check out some of the scenarios ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst laid out because it would make sense for Minnesota to go one of those routes.

Kevin Love has not formally asked for a trade but his representatives at Excel Sports are reportedly pushing the Minnesota Timberwolves president Flip Saunders to find a suitable deal by the time free agency opens up in July; preferably by the NBA Draft on June 26.

The Timberwolves are still holding on to the chance that they can get Kevin Love to stay in Minnesota. They will be able to offer Love a contract worth about $26.5 million more than any other team can offer. I doubt that Kevin Love is going to be looking for a major payday, and instead could be on a quest for a ring.

The Wolves are currently on the hunt for a coach as well and until Kevin Love's situation is taken care coaches will be reluctant to take the job.

Love's decision to opt out of the final year of his contract adds him to pretty good list of players who will be free agents next summer including Kyrie Irving, Rajon Rondo, LaMarcus Aldridge, Manu Ginobli, Marc Gasol, and Deandre Jordan to name a few.