Kevin Love Contract: Why NBA Fans Should Love New Deal

Kevin Love's extension with the Timberwolves is a victory for Minnesota and basketball fans everywhere. It is a refreshing change of pace from the conglomerating trend of big name players in big markets. 

Love is in his fourth season, and was in the last year of his rookie deal. Had his contract not been extended, he would have been a restricted free agent at the end of the year. 

The Minnesota star has developed into one of the best power forwards in the league, and he clearly is the Wolves' best hope for building a brighter future. 

The Deal

ESPN's Chris Broussard tweeted out the reported details of the contract. 

Broussard and colleague Marc Stein added some more details in an article on ESPN. They report that sources say Love was adamant about having the option after three years and the Wolves were shooting for a four year deal. 

Love was eligible for a five-year deal, but Minnesota reportedly did not offer it. 

Now, Love has the choice to opt out after three seasons and become an unrestricted free agent. 

Why Everyone Should Love this Deal

More than ever, the NBA is turning into the haves and the have-nots. It has been difficult for smaller market teams like Minnesota to field a competitive squad, and nearly impossible to hold on to a star player. 

This deal helps buck that trend. The Wolves got one of the game's brightest young stars to willingly sign an extension. Minnesota now has their piece around which to build and three more guaranteed years of Love's services to turn themselves into a winner. 

If lowly Minnesota can get a player like Love to sign an extension, then any team can. This is a ray of hope to the have-nots everywhere, and ultimately, that is good news for the NBA.