NBA could block the Kevin Love trade to Cleveland if he signs Long-Term

We all know that Kevin Love is going to get traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a few weeks, but there is a small chance the NBA could block that trade. The NBA could do this especially with Kevin Love signs long term to stay in Cleveland. This could be proven an illegal agreement according to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.

More from Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein of ESPN

But sources say that the Cavs and Wolves, knowing that league officials are monitoring this transaction closely, have been careful not to make any public acknowledgments that trade details have already been agreed to. That’s because Wiggins remains ineligible to move moved until 30 days pass from the signing his rookie contract.

The Cavs were granted permission last month by Minnesota to speak to Love and his representatives in an introductory fashion, sources say, while James and Love have also been in direct contact about their long-term intentions of playing together in recent weeks. But sources insist that no agreement for Love to sign an extension in Cleveland next summer when he can become a free agent is in place.

Under NBA rules, such an agreement would be illegal and, if proven, potentially could be grounds for the league to block this trade and dole out punishment to both teams. The Wolves were infamously sanctioned heavily in 2000 after it was discovered that the club had promised a lucrative future contract — in writing — to Joe Smith, incurring a fine of $3.5 million and the loss of four first-round picks as well as suspensions for owner Glen Taylor and then-GM Kevin McHale.

I don’t think this will happen but you never know with the NBA.

Tags: Kevin Love