After nine NBA seasons, Kevin Love’s time with the Cleveland Cavaliers has come to an end.
The team decided to buy out his contract, and he will now be a free agent, leaving him free to sign with the team of his choice for the rest of this season.
ESPN Sources: Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers have completed a contract buyout. The Miami Heat are a frontrunner to sign Love, but he plans to talk to the Philadelphia 76ers before making a decision. pic.twitter.com/9YKux1Svj2
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 18, 2023
Love played a key role in the Cavs’ four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals several years ago, as well as their first-ever world championship in 2016, and he has served as something of a veteran influence for the young and dangerous crew they have now.
To honor what he has meant to the organization, he will eventually have his jersey retired.
❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/HmjeIeWwc5
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) February 19, 2023
Once upon a time, Love was a five-time All-Star, and in his younger days he was a ferocious rebounder and a big-time scoring threat.
But at age 34, he saw his production fall off a cliff recently, as he shot just 30.3 percent from the field and 22.9 percent from 3-point range in January, and Cleveland responded by taking him out of the rotation.
Even if he has lost his shooting touch, he can still provide a team with some rebounding and leadership off the bench, even if it comes only in spot duty.
The Miami Heat have been linked to Love, as they badly need another productive big man other than Bam Adebayo, as have the Philadelphia 76ers.
In addition, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested, and if Love goes there, he would be reunited with LeBron James, his championship teammate in Cleveland.
NEXT: The Cavaliers Are Parting Ways With A Franchise Hero
