MacMullan: Kevin Love deal not a foregone conclusion

In some ways, this article by Jackie MacMullan is stating the obvious.  It isn't a given that Kevin Love is coming to Boston and even if it happens it won't occur until closer to the trade deadline.

The article talks about how the Celtics players might not be viewed by GM's through the same green tinted lenses that we view them through.  Jared Sullinger, for example, is seen as a talent, but one with questionable conditioning and health concerns.

It is possible that we've become overconfident in our trade assets because of all the draft picks we've got.  But there may, in fact, be better offers elsewhere.

Kevin Love landing with Boston Celtics far from slam dunk - ESPN Boston

The Timberwolves privately maintain they already have fielded better offers from other teams, among them the Chicago Bulls, who can offer draft picks and some combination of Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson along with Carlos Boozer, whose bloated $16.8 million contract expires next summer and represents the kind of cap space rebuilding teams crave. If you are Kevin Love and can choose to join a team with top dogs Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah or Rondo and Jeff Green, which way are you leaning?

Aside from Boston and Chicago, Golden State, Phoenix, the Lakers and Houston also will try to pry Love free. Cleveland has the No.1 pick and has interest in Love, sources confirm, but the feeling isn't mutual.

I'm actually encouraged to hear that Love isn't interested in Cleveland, since they have that #1 overall trump card.  I still feel like we can beat the other deals with the sheer number of picks we can offer though.

Obviously the Timberwolves are going to harumph and bluster about how the deals they are being offered are so bad.  That's what happens when you have little leverage. But at some point they are going to get bidders to up the ante.  I think that's where the Celtics will have the firepower to add picks or get creative with salaries and trump other offers.  But as Jackie points out, that's not a given.

As I said, if you haven't already, please read Jackie's whole article - it is (as always) worth the time.