Just when things were looking up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team slapped the league’s best power forward in the face.
Kevin Love just signed a four-year extension worth around $60 million to $62 million with a player opt-out clause after the third year. Love said owner Glen Taylor and president of basketball operations David Kahn did not offer him the maximum five-year, $80 million deal, similar to what Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook signed.
Are you kidding me?
This was a no-brainer. Even at 6-foot-10-inches, Love is the best rebounder in the NBA. He’s averaging 25.3 points and 13.7 rebounds per game. He’s also sixth in 3-pointers made, shooting 40.9 percent.
Other players are still trying to get in shape and recovering from the NBA lockout while he is actually losing weight. He’s now listed at 240 pounds, trimming 25 pounds off his frame from last season.
You mean to tell me he doesn’t deserve a fifth year?
Love could have easily allowed a deadline extension Wednesday. He could have tested the market as a restricted free agent this summer — but he didn’t.
Rather, after he signed the extension, he simply tweeted, “To #twolves fans: I'll be in Minnesota for 4 more years! Excited to see you when I get back to Minneapolis.”
It’s not about the money or the length. It’s about respect, or lack thereof in the Timberwolves’ organization.
The Timberwolves better use that money saved and bring in another good player, or their best player will bolt in summer 2015.
Click here to subscribe to the daily State Press newsletter.
