Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

Timberwolves owner rips Kevin Love following trade to Cleveland

Taylor says he never wanted to trade Love, but he’s quite happy with the return on the deal.

Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor spoke out about the recent trade of franchise star Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers. More than that, he used it as a opportunity to criticize the three-time NBA All-Star.

The Timberwolves introduced several new players, including players received in the trade, at the Minnesota State Fair on Tuesday. Taylor said Love was going to have to adjust to being a third wheel behind LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.

”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 a team. I don’t think he’s going to get a lot of credit if they do really well. I think he’ll get the blame if they don’t do well. He’s going to have to learn to handle that.

Taylor also criticized Love’s defensive effort and that he got away with things in Minnesota that he might not in Cleveland.

“I think he’s around a couple guys are awful good. Now I’m not saying that Kevin’s not good, but I think where maybe he got away with some stuff, not playing defense on our team, I’m not sure how that’s going to work in Cleveland. So I would guess they’re going to ask him to play more defense. And he’s foul-prone,” Taylor said.

Taylor maintained that he and Love are still friends, all criticism aside. That said, this is not the first time Taylor has publicly criticized a former franchise icon after being jettisoned from the team. In 2008, Taylor accused Kevin Garnett of “tanking” at the end of the NBA season.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NBA NEWSLETTER

Get news, links and Ziller's #hottakes in your inbox every weekday morning.

See More:

More in NBA

NBA
7 NBA teams who will be way better than last year7 NBA teams who will be way better than last year
NBA

These NBA teams are going to be a lot better in the upcoming season than they were last year.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Why LeBron James chose the 76ers in NBA free agency, and his big bet on Jaylen BrownWhy LeBron James chose the 76ers in NBA free agency, and his big bet on Jaylen Brown
NBA

LeBron James *really* wanted to play with Jaylen Brown

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
NBA Reacts: Are the LeBron Sixers the best team in the East?NBA Reacts: Are the LeBron Sixers the best team in the East?
NBA

The 76ers have more talent than anyone in the Eastern Conference, but will it turn into enough wins to win the East?

By Kyle Thele
NBA
Steph Curry to the Hornets is the wild NBA rumor that might have legsSteph Curry to the Hornets is the wild NBA rumor that might have legs
NBA

This makes so much sense, and it’s so irresponsible.

By James Dator
NBA
7 NBA stars who could be traded next7 NBA stars who could be traded next
NBA

These are the next big names on the NBA trade block.

By Ricky O'Donnell