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11/22/2024 11:00:32 am

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Kevin Love Pulls Out of U.S. National Team

Kevin Love and LeBron James carrying US flags during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London

(Photo : nba.com)


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After Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers announced his withdrawal from U.S. National Team Friday, Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Love also pulled out of the team citing uncertainty in his professional team.

Love is in the center of trade speculation, as he is rumored to be traded by the Timberwolves. He said this was the main reason why he begged off from the national team.

The all-star power forward is one of 19 NBA players chosen to try out for the U.S. team that will participate in the upcoming of the FIBA World Cup in Spain.

Love, 25, was one of the first NBA players who committed to suit up but as Andrew Wiggins signed a rookie scale contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his trade offer with Cleveland has been extended for another 30 days.

An Olympic and World Champion, Love "wants to play, but it's a little bit of a sign of the times," said USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo.

This was a tough call for Love for he might get injured during practice starting Monday and without a team, his trade may be in serious jeopardy.

The team has lost two great power forwards in its roster but still have a couple of players that can fill in the spot. Dallas Mavericks' Chandler Parsons is one candidate that can fill his shoes and big men like Andre Drummond and DeMarcus Cousins can make a huge presence inside the paint.

Before Griffin and Love, two other players have withdrawn from the team. Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge and San Antonio Spurs' Kawhi Leonard, Team USA now have only 18 players to choose from to complete its 12-man roster for the FIBA World Championship.

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