The NBA is weird. Trade rumors happen, explode on social media, and then die faster than you can get bored watching Pacific Rim.
Yesterday was no different.
First, we heard that the Cavaliers were now willing to include rookie guard Andrew Wiggins in a deal for Kevin Love:
Cleveland Cavaliers now willing to include Wiggins in Kevin Love trade offer http://t.co/93I94KhZmj
— Bob Finnan (@BobCavsinsider) July 17, 2014
Then we heard they weren't:
If you're wondering why Wiggins is playing tonight.NBA league source telling me Cavs standing firm on Wiggins stance. He's not on the table
— Andy Baskin (@andy_baskin) July 18, 2014
Then we heard that the Warriors were finally willing to include Klay Thompson in a potential deal for Kevin Love:
Warriors now willing to give up Klay Thompson for Kevin Love, who would exercise option for '15-16 if traded there http://t.co/ZH8p0I3PsH
— Yannis Koutroupis (@YannisNBA) July 18, 2014
Nope, they aren't really interested:
Warriors source flatly denies a report that they are offering Klay Thompson to Minnesota. "It's not true," the source said minutes ago.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) July 18, 2014
What about the Cavs though, really nothing on Wiggins?
Still no talks have been had between the #Cavs and #Twolves involving Andrew Wiggins. No chatter at all.
— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) July 18, 2014
A league source tells me the #Cavs are determined to keep Wiggins, calls the trade rumors involving Wiggins "BS."
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) July 18, 2014
For his part:
Will Cavs trade Andrew Wiggins? He told me on Showtime: "They love my game...my personality and what I bring to the team. So I doubt that."
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) July 18, 2014
Well.....
Now, if you're asking, "Why? How can so many people hear so many things?" Let me paint you a timeline.
Step 1 - Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor goes on NBA TV, said he will keep Love, and only sees trading him for equal or lesser value.
Step 2 - Following day, Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly willing to include Wiggins in a trade.
Step 3 - Report is denied by most people close to the Cavs.
Step 4 - Andrew Wiggins plays for Cavs' summer league team. Dan Gilbert, Kyrie Irving, and Dion Waiters are in attendance.
Step 5 - Golden State Warriors are now reportedly willing to include Klay Thompson in a trade.
Step 6 - Report is denied by most people close to the Warriors.
I'm not a PR genius, but this timeline of events paints a team that is looking to drum up offers in a market that has them over a barrel right now. Good for them, that is what they should be doing. What David Griffin and Dan Gilbert should be doing is what they're doing; hardlining because Minnesota does not have the offers or leverage to demand Wiggins in a trade.
Stay tuned because I'm sure thre is more fun coming.