Report: Love intends to be free agent

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love intends to become an unrestricted free agent after next season and is not interested in a contract extension, according to ESPN.com.

Though Love has not asked to be traded, his contract stance may force the Timberwolves to deal the All-Star before next season or by the February 2015 trade deadline.

The Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are among the teams Love reportedly has the most interest in.

The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks have also been mentioned as big-market destinations that could receive Love’s attention.

Additionally, the Phoenix Suns have several draft picks to offer the Timberwolves in a possible trade, but it is not clear if Love has interest in going to Phoenix.

The Warriors are considered the top candidate to land Love. Despite not having the draft picks that the Suns or Boston Celtics can offer, they could package forwards Harrison Barnes and David Lee in a potential deal.

The Lakers could use their lottery draft pick as a chip to acquire Love. The draft lottery is Tuesday.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor has rejected all trade requests involving Love for several months, hoping to re-sign him to a long-term deal.

Love reportedly wants to play for a winning team and the Timberwolves have struggled in recent years. Minnesota has failed to reach the playoffs in all six of Love’s seasons.

The Timberwolves are in search of a coach to replace the retired Rick Adelman. Scott Skiles is reportedly among the candidates team president Flip Saunders has interviewed thus far.

Yahoo! Sports reported that Saunders also interviewed former Timberwolves forward Sam Mitchell and the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that former Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins was interviewed as well.

It is also possible that Saunders could return to the bench to coach the team.