“Kevin Love has made it clear to the Timberwolves that he intends to become an unrestricted free agent after next season and has no interest in a contract extension this summer to stay in Minnesota, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.”

–Marc Stein, ESPN.com

Kevin Love Sweepstakes 2014

How to Play:

Offer your most appealing package to the Minnesota Timberwolves

Grand Prize:

Kevin Love

Top Competitors:

New York: The premier sports town would love to snatch Love. Boasting unruly, critical, and passionate fans and an aging, overpaid roster, this former NBA powerhouse needs something to get excited about (other than a new team president). Their name will continue to be thrown around—solely because they’re New York—but a trade for Kevin Love is unlikely.

Chances of winning: 2.5%

Chicago: Numerous reports have cited the windy city as a leading destination for Kevin Love. Bulls Head Coach Tom Thibodeau has established a defensive identity in Chicago and could use the All-Star’s scoring, but does management have enough to offer? There seems to be mutual interest between Love and the Bulls, but a few late 1st-rounders and the declining Carlos Boozer would be pennies on the dollar.

Chances of winning: 5.9%

L.A. Lakers: “Kevin’s coming home!” said the casual Lakers fan. “It’s a perfect fit, and we totally deserve this.” The glamour destination formerly known for “Showtime” is quite familiar with success. It's a ‘championship or bust’ kind of town, and, despite this year’s 27-win season, Kobe & company aren’t willing to accept a gradual rebuild. The team owns the sixth pick in this year’s draft, granted they don’t benefit from a fortuitous bounce in the lottery (cue conspiracy theories). We should expect them to offer this pick and a Pu-Pu platter of mediocrity.

Chances of winning: 6.3%

Golden State: This talented group from Oakland will undoubtedly play the “we’re a stone’s throw from contention" card. While Love may appreciate the sentiment, it’ll be up to the Timberwolves’ front office to decide if Harrison Barnes/Klay Thompson and David Lee are enough compensation.

Chances of winning: 23.4%

Phoenix: Could Kevin Love have a Charles Barkley-type impact on the Phoenix Suns? Some of the most exciting basketball in the NBA is being played in the valley of the sun, and the elite stretch four could be a perfect fit. A likely trade bundle might include: Channing Frye, a 3pt-shooting big who helps make the money work; Alex Len, last year’s lottery pick with huge upside as a starting center; plus two or three first-round picks. As long as no one lets Love know that Barkley never won a title in Phoenix, the Suns should have a shot.

Chances of winning: 28.6%

Boston: Unlike most of the teams on this list, the Boston Celtics are in complete rebuilding mode. Armed with a bevy of draft picks (nine first-rounders over the next five seasons) and talented trade pieces (Avery Bradley, Jeff Green, Jared Sullinger and possibly Rajon Rondo), the C’s will be one of the most qualified suitors. Boston's front office, however, may be hesitant to bet the farm on a guy who could leave after one season.

Chances of winning: 33.3%

The fans are ready. The stakes are set. Let the games begin! (insert obligatory Hunger Games reference)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTcGSgRg28s