Report: Anthony Bennett To Philly Not Guaranteed
The Cleveland Cavaliers are on the brink of a blockbuster deal that will reportedly send their no. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Wiggins to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a package deal for Kevin Love. Last year’s no. 1 overall pick, forward Anthony Bennett, is said to be part of that package, although the prior report was that the Philadelphia 76ers would emerge as a third team to acquire Bennett while Minnesota would look to acquire 76ers forward Thaddeus Young as Love’s replacement, but Timberwolves beat reporter Jerry Zgoda says different:
Just a reminder: if you keep reading Bennett is headed to Philly for Young in forthcoming trade…don’t believe it.
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) August 20, 2014
The sound of Thaddeus Young serving as Kevin Love’s replacement definitely raised eyebrows at first glance. If you’re Minnesota, the so-called “agreed upon” deal grants you the services of both Wiggins and Bennett, the no. 1 overall draft picks of the last two years. Bennett severely underperformed during his rookie campaign but has started to show strides on the floor in summer league. He’s still developing.
If Minnesota was considering a Bennett-for-Young swap it was to negate some of their inherited youth as Wiggins will be progressing along with Minnesota’s rookie draft pick Zach LaVine. According to Zgoda, Flip Saunders might just be staying put with Bennett for a young, full-fledged rebuilding model.
All of these teams (with maybe the exception of the 76ers) should be looking a lot different in the days to come.
