Kevin Love wants to stay in U.S.A, but could be forced abroad by an extended lockout – NBA Update
Even before the NBA lockout began, many players were discussing the prospect of playing abroad. Now that the lockout is in effect, their numbers have grown substantially and some have already agreed deals with teams in Europe or
elsewhere.
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love, who had been busy playing beach volleyball recently, has said that although he doesn’t want to go abroad as such, but his hand could be forced if the NBA lockout drags on.
Love was an all star last season and has established himself as the face of Minnesota Timberwolves in the last three years. As such the young star’s stock is on the rise in NBA and elsewhere. One would imagine that he would not
have too much trouble attracting offers from overseas.
Kevin revealed in an interview that he wasn’t thinking about it just yet. The player has taken up beach volley ball during the lockout to try and enjoy himself and keep his body in shape. He said he likes being in the United States
and doesn’t harbour any particular interest in going abroad to play his trade.
He did though concede that, as is the case with other NBA players, if a deal to resolve the lockout and a new CBA is not agreed any time soon, he might have to consider the opportunities presented to him.
"I would love to stay stateside, but if the right opportunity comes and the lockout is going longer than I thought, then yes, I would (play abroad)," Love said.
The Timberwolves forward then went on to reveal some details of the offers made to him, which included some lucrative deals indeed.
"There is a lot of talk about some barnstorming tours coming around to go to China, the Philippines and all around Europe. There are six-game tours being discussed with substantial six- and seven-figure deals."
It is pertinent to mention that many NBA players have already gone on some foreign tours. The most star studded of which was in the Philippines for two games where names such as Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose drew in some wild crowds.
Tours lasting for six or seven games haven’t been on the agenda so far but if Kevin has been offered their might be something in the pipeline.
While he has all that in the works, Kevin Love revealed that he has also enrolled for a course on American popular culture alongside other NBA stars Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City Thunder, Baron Davis from the Cleveland Cavaliers
and Trevor Ariza.
"I don't want the lockout to go to December or January but just in case I've signed up to be in class in the fall," Love said. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to do so but I'm hoping my fall classes get cut short."
Tags: