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Kevin Love for Andrew Wiggins deal reportedly done

Andrew Wiggins will become the newest member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. This means Kevin Love is headed to join LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

By ZacharyBD
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

I was writing my column and then this "WojBomb" happened.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to terms of a trade centered around Kevin Love and Andrew Wiggins.

According to Wojnarowski's column, the precise deal terms have been agreed upon for weeks, but the Cavaliers, Wolves and Love plan to stay silent about the particulars until the trade is announced in 16 days. I wonder what Wiggins thinks about joining the Timberwolves, although I don't want see him in an awkward interview aired on national television-- again.

Can we just leave him alone until then? Or at least send Ricky Rubio to give Wiggins a hug?

Will Flip Saunders look to go and get Thaddeus Young? Will he look to flip Bennett and the newly acquired pick from Cleveland to Philly in exchange for one-guaranteed season with Young? Derek Bodner might think so, as he enlightened his audience that I assume is mostly Sixers' fans in this column published two days ago.

The core of Rubio, Zach LaVine, Wiggins, and Bennett is one that would certainly take time to develop. Even swapping Bennett for Young wouldn't secure a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. The prospect of being competitive despite losing the loss of a perennial superstar is deceptively exciting, because even with Love the Wolves weren't able to crack postseason.

What does Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune think about the Timberwolves prospects of acquiring Young?

Between the beef between he and Glen Taylor, along with Kevin Love never really having synchronized competency surrounding him --whether it were crummy teammates or an uninspiring coaching staff-- he had plenty of reasons to want out of Minnesota. This entire offseason has taken its proverbial toll on those following the trade-chatter. As for what's next, can the Rubio-LaVine-Wiggins core turn the Timberwolves into championship contenders, or is this just another feeble attempt at rebuilding in what is destined to be another decade of futility in Minnesota?

It's fair to assume most of us just wanted this saga to end-- this is an opportunity to hit the reset button and rebuild again. Now, there's at least some closure. Can the aforementioned Rubio-LaVine-Wiggins core help the Timberwolves reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, someday? Will this trio help recruit a big name free-agent seeking a championship to the frozen tundra of Minneapolis? These are questions that won't be answered for awhile.

Last year, the Wolves ranked 27th in attendance. Perhaps the young, talented, and athletic group can bring more fans to Target Center next season, creating a solid foundation to build from the ground up as Flip Saunders continues his mission of implementing the culture change he talks about so often.

Surely Flip Saunders acquired the maximum value in exchange for Love, right? If not, it's fair to say at least Saunders didn't screw this up.

...yet.

Here's what I had planned on sharing before the Woj Bomb.

I understand yesterday was a time to acknowledge an old friend, one who used to write on this website before taking his own life two years ago. I hardly knew Tim Allen, although it's easy for me to tell he was widely respected amidst the Canis Hoopus community and throughout the Blogosphere. As someone who is new this community, I know it isn't my place to try and fulfill a void left by Tim's death-- although I feel it's important for me to acknowledge it.

I recognize that nearly all of us experience turbulent times in our lives. For some, it's difficult to talk about the pain, thoughts of suicide and the need for help. For those who have been affected or feel strongly depression or mental health issues, we recognize public awareness and education are effective methods of prevention. Discussion is also essential when spreading awareness about depression, and how it may affect us.

Things like Emotions in Motion provide healthy platforms with resources for where to go when in need of help, support, or just someone to talk to. If you're attending the event on Saturday at Lake Harriet and would like someone to walk with, reach out to me because I'll be there, probably doing the same thing.

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The Blogtable over at NBA.com's Hangtime Blog features discussion in regards to the "Price of Patriotism." The recent injury to Paul George undoubtedly renders concerns for NBA front-offices and fans alike. Will this prevent NBA superstars from competing in international competitions, will there be a decrease in the frequency of said exhibitions? I doubt it. Organizations such as FIBA are only beginning to capture the wealth and attention exhibitions a'la the upcoming World Cup can rake in.

It's going to be tough for teams to keep those like Ricky Rubio, players passionate about participating in international competitions, from representing their countries during the NBA offseason. Even American-born players who weren't invited to play with Team USA are finding ways to participate in the World Cup.

Drew Gooden was born in Oakland and played collegiately at Kansas University, but has citizenship in Finland as his mother is from the Scandinavian nation. It was announced yesterday Gooden will play among the Finnish national team. Yes, there is enough linage for him to do that.

Does it make more sense than Andray Blatche playing for the Philippines? I'll leave that up to you.