Kevin Love needs the Minnesota Timberwolves just as much as they need him.

Love’s unique skill set has made him the leading rebounding and scoring power forward this year, while also becoming one of the league’s best three-point shooters and passers at his position and the second-most efficient player, trailing only LeBron James.

Not only can Minnesota sign this guaranteed double-double for a larger contract than any outside bidder due to the home-team preferences in the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, but the Timberwolves actually present a better basketball situation for Love than nearly all potential suitors.

The future is bright for this group, and they’re beginning to follow the path to success just taken by the Oklahoma City Thunder: bottom-out and build up a core of young, complementary players who can grow and be re-signed together.

If Love were to leave Minnesota this year, what better situation will he find via free agency? The teams with cap space don’t offer as enticing options.

Last year’s Most Improved Player has gotten even better, and Love offers Minnesota the chance to be NBA relevant for the first time in nearly a decade.

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