Fear not. Danny Ainge has not given up on Kevin Love quite yet.
The chase has just made a pit stop for the time being.
The Boston Celtics are still interested in trading for Love, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ All-Star forward, but the two sides have not spoken in more than a week, the Boston Herald reports, citing sources. The stalled talks are not really a setback, according to the Herald, as the Celtics’ offer and the Wolves’ desires are generally known and remain the same.
“Minnesota didn’t want anything Boston had two weeks ago, and it’s crazy to think that’s changed this fast,” a source told the Herald’s Steve Bulpett. “They may change their mind at some point, but I still think that’s going to take some time.”
The same article refutes earlier reports that the Celtics are interested in free agent guard Lance Stephenson; they have not even contacted Stephenson’s agent, a source told Bulpett. The Celtics agreed to a four-year, $32 million contract with their own free agent guard, Avery Bradley, last week.
Ainge’s offer of Jared Sullinger or Kelly Olynyk, the No. 6 pick in the 2014 NBA draft (now Marcus Smart) and future draft picks reportedly remains on the table. The Celtics are also willing to use those same assets to acquire a different established player from another team, according to a separate report.
