Kevin Love trade rumors: Celtics, Rockets interested in Timberwolves star, per report

The Boston Celtics are an "increasingly intriguing destination" for Minnesota Timberwolves star power forward Kevin Love, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

Love is expected to opt out of his contract after next season and leave in free agency, and the Wolves are reportedly finally starting to consider dealing him instead of letting him walk for nothing. The Celtics are expected to make a run at Love, and Wojnarowski reports that their position in the upcoming draft could have a big say in potential trade negotiations.

The NBA Draft Lottery is on Tuesday, and Boston heads into the lottery with the fifth-best chance to get the No. 1 pick. The Celtics' pick is sure to be appealing in a trade no matter what, but if it ends up higher than expected, the Wolves could be even more interested in making a deal. On the other hand, Danny Ainge might not want to trade the pick if it ends up really high.

The Houston Rockets are another team reportedly gearing up for a run at Love. The Rockets would like to add a third star to go along with Dwight Howard and James Harden, and although the team doesn't have attractive draft assets, they could dangle quality young players like Chandler Parsons and Omer Asik. Rockets head coach Kevin McHale has prior history with Love, having traded for him on draft night in 2008 and also coaching him during the power forward's rookie season.

The Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are two other teams said to "intrigue" Love. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns are also considered possible destinations.