"The Pioneer Press has reported that the Timberwolves plan to offer forward Kevin Love a $60 million, four-year, NBA-maximum contract before Wednesday's deadline. The Wolves could offer Love a five-year maximum contract for approximately $80 million, but as of early this week, they were not planning to do that.

The NBA's new labor deal allows each team to offer one designated player a five-year maximum contract near the end of his rookie contract.

If the Wolves do that for Love, 23, they would not be able to offer a five-year maximum contract to another player, such as rookie point guard Ricky Rubio, 21.

Thursday, Oklahoma City signed point guard Russell Westbrook to an $80 million, five-year maximum contract.

Love is playing for $4.6 million this season. If he declines the Wolves' four-year offer, he could become a restricted free agent after this season. The Wolves would have the right to match any offers elsewhere.

If Love doesn't sign as a restricted free agent, he could play next season with the Wolves for $6.1 million, then become an unrestricted free agent.

Love said Wednesday night, after Minnesota defeated the Detroit Pistons at Target Center, that he's undecided on whether he prefers a four- or five-year deal from Wolves owner Glen Taylor and President David Kahn. "