Report: Celtics willing to offer first rounder for Love

With the NBA Draft Lottery just two days away, the rumor mill is beginning to churn.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Celtics are one of four teams willing to trade a 2014 first round draft pick in a deal for Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Kevin Love.

Love has made it clear to the Timberwolves that he intends on becoming an unrestricted free agent after this upcoming season by utilizing his Early Termination Option (ETO). He also has no interest in signing a contract extension.

ESPN.com is reporting that the Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls are likely the front-runners to make a deal for Love.

Boston certainly has the assets to acquire Love, but signing him is another story. Love is almost certainly going to demand a max-contract in the 5-year, $100 million dollar neighborhood. 

Boston can certainly make that happen, as they only have five players under contract beyond this season, with Jeff Green holding a player option and both Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk with team options. 

The first domino that should fall is Rajon Rondo. Rondo has one year remaining on his deal, and Rondo has expressed interest in staying with the Celtics. 

However, Rondo will want to get paid. His last contract was a very team friendly five-year, $55 million dollar deal before the 2010-2011 season. 

The following point guards made more money in 2013-2014 than Rondo: Chris Paul ($21.4 million), Deron Williams ($19.7 million), Derrick Rose ($18.8 million), Russell Westbrook ($15.7 million), Tony Parker ($12.5 million), and Ty Lawson ($12 million). 

Rondo certainly deserves to be paid among the upper echelon of point guards. He also knows that if he wants to remain with the Celtics and have a chance to win a championship, he cannot afford to sign a max deal. He knows he needs help.