Slimmed down Kevin Love encouraged by Wolves changes

Kevin Love says he is encouraged by the changes the Minnesota Timberwolves have made as he prepares to enter into talks on a contract extension.

A slimmed-down Love worked out at the Timberwolves facility on Sunday for the first time since the players and owners reached a tentative agreement on a new labour deal. He says he has lost 25 pounds and is eager to get this shortened season going.

The All-Star forward is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He says the additions of new coach Rick Adelman, No. 2 overall draft pick Derrick Williams and point guard Ricky Rubio have him excited about the direction of the franchise.

Love says he will talk with agent Jeff Schwartz next week about where things stand with his contract.