Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves have had a complex relationship over the years. During his six-season stint with the team that drafted him, he achieved several notable feats, including All-Star and All-NBA selections.
Known for his elite rebounding and the ability to dominate the paint and the midrange, Love posted double-doubles regularly. However, there came a point when he wanted more than just individual accolades. Failing to make the playoffs year after year, he had begun to grow tired of his situation.
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Ultimately, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, forming a Big 3 with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. The trade had certainly irked Wolves owner Glen Taylor, who went public with his critical analysis of Love, claiming he would not fit in his new setting.
After multiple instances of his public remarks against him, Love finally decided to clap back.
“I think emotions are definitely running high right now. For Glen to say that, I just think that he should be focusing on the players that he just received. I mean, he has two of the No. 1 picks in the last two drafts: Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett. He has another guy who can really play in Thaddeus Young,” said Love, who had never made the playoffs until then.
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“I think he got a lot for me. So I’d be focusing even more on that. More than anything, I’m just excited to start my time in Cleveland, get to work with my new teammates and start with this new family here,” added Love as he looked to embark on a new journey with the Cavs.
The backstory and Taylor’s constant jibes
Love wanting out had undoubtedly rubbed Taylor the wrong way, who started to get a little personal. The billionaire team owner took regular digs at K-Love, whether it was his ability to play defense or his injury-prone nature.
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“I think where maybe he got away with some stuff, not playing defense on our team, I’m not sure that’s how it’s going to work in Cleveland,” stated Taylor, who had a lot more coming.
“I question Kevin if this is going to be the best deal for him, because I think he’s going to be the third player on the team. I don’t think he’s going to get a lot of credit if they do really well. I think he’ll get blame if they don’t do well. He’s around a couple guys that are awful good,” continued Taylor, raising concerns over his long-term durability.
Taylor went a little too far with his bitterness over the situation. He overlooked Love’s contributions to the T-Wolves and what he meant to the fans, as he was the team’s lone bright spot for years.
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Early tensions with LeBron and the turnaround
Taylor’s predictions seemed to be turning true, at least initially, with James and Love not being on the same page during the poor 19-20 start to the season.
Much of it involved Love adapting his game to fit in. Still, they managed to turn around the season after some trades and reached the Finals, where they lost in six games to the Golden State Warriors.
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Following that loss, James and Love would meet up over the summer. Turning a new page in their relationship, the two quickly built a strong friendship. The result was clear for everyone to see, as they won the ring next season.
The iconic championship served as the perfect answer to Taylor, who eventually began the process of selling his majority ownership in 2021.
Recently traded to the Jazz, Love is expected to reach a buyout soon. As fans and media speculate about his future, there have been murmurs of a Wolves reunion, particularly with the new ownership in place.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.