Just when it seemed things were starting to break David Kahn’s way. The Derrick Williams pick looks pretty good so far, Ricky Rubio appears to be the Spanish version of a young Pete Maravich, his Timberwolves are on a two game winning streak, and they just got finished handling the San Antonio Spurs at home.
So it would only make sense at this point for news to trickle out of star power forward Kevin Love’s camp that you better offer an extension in the next two weeks our we’re outta here, wouldn’t it?
Regardless, that’s what the reports are this morning regarding Kevin Love’s contract extension and the Minnesota Timberwolves unwillingness to offer one so far. The following is from Peter Vecesy at the New York Post:
According to the messenger, All-Star Kevin Love has not been offered an extension.Think the double-double emperor’s feelings are bruised? Think agent Jeff Schwartz might be putting the pressure on GM David Kahn and owner Glen Taylor to make a proposal pronto?
You got that right; according to my source, if one isn’t submitted by Jan. 15, 10 days before the league deadline to enrich players in Love’s position (Russell Westbrook is another), then don’t bother.
Supposedly, the restricted free agent — back for season four in superior shape and with amplified area-code accuracy — then will refuse to re-sign this summer or, if things are prolonged, the one after.
Then don’t bother is some strong language. Maybe it’s positioning, alright probably it’s positioning, but maybe too Kevin Love never really was that thrilled with the huge mall they have in Minnesota in the first place and wants a reason to leave. As Vecesy went on to say, dude will get paid most anywhere eventually.
Love knows for sure he’s going to strike it rich. It’s just a matter of how rich. Taylor is certain to commit to four years, some $60 million. Five years is in the neighborhood of $78 million. The sole reason the fifth year is temporarily uncertain is because the T’wolves then would be restricted to re-enlisting Rubio or Williams (he’s that good!) — or signing an acquired franchise-caliber player — for four years down the line.
I can’t help but totally picture David Kahn stressfully pacing back and forth from the mini putting green in his office over to his desk with his hands on his head saying, ‘arggh, now what do we do? We just have too many good players!’
Kidding aside I suppose it is a fair point with regards to that franchise decision. I’d have a hard time though, real hard time, letting a young player like Love not only become disengaged with this season based on not being offered that extension but eventually walk as well if I were the T-Wolves. I mean I dunno, call me crazy, but Love is only averaging 25 points and 15 rebounds per game so far through 5. He’s come back in shape more determined to develop as a player too, as opposed to simply a rebounder, and if he keeps these numbers up he will be in MVP talks in addition to making that trip down to Orlando for the All Star game.
So I know Rubio’s passes are mesmerizing, and they do something to all of us, not just you Kahn, but don’t mess this Kevin Love thing up.
