Report: Timberwolves insisting that Warriors take Kevin Martin in any trade for Kevin Love
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The Minnesota Timberwolves aren't going to part with All-NBA forward Kevin Love without shedding some burdensome salaries along the way.
That includes the contract of shooting guard Kevin Martin, who is owed over $21 million over the next three seasons. If Love leaves, there's no need to retain a complementary piece like Martin for the Timberwolves, who would likely be looking to rebuild.
Source: MIN has made it clear that in any Love deal, the Warriors must also take back Kevin Martin. Not an insignificant thing...
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) July 2, 2014
In dealing for both Love and Martin, who will earn a combined $21.3 million next season, the Golden State Warriors would have to part with forward David Lee, and a portion of their traded player exception worth $9.8 million. Of course, they'll most likely need to cough up valuable pieces like guard Klay Thompson, forward Draymond Green and assorted draft picks as well.
But if the Warriors do receive Martin in a trade for Love, they will at least benefit from his play. The 31-year-old shooting guard averaged 19.1 points per game on 38.7 percent shooting from deep last season with the 'Wolves. He profiles as a defensively-challenged shooting guard who can score efficiently by getting to the line and sinking triples.