Kevin Love has been officially bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
That ends a nine-year tenure for one of the greatest players in franchise history.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love are finalizing a contract buyout, sources tell me and @ByJasonLloyd.
Full details at @TheAthletic, including an Eastern Conference playoff contender expected to emerge as a suitor for Love: https://t.co/oyvrEdjsNe
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 16, 2023
Love arrived in The Land to play alongside two stars for the first time in his career, embracing a new role and taking a step back to let Kyrie Irving and LeBron James run the show.
He helped the team make it to three NBA Finals and win their only championship in franchise history.
And, with his ups and downs, he also helped bridge the transition between the post-LeBron James era and today’s up-and-coming team.
All things considered, Love should have his jersey hanging high in the rafters once it’s all said and done, which is why several Cavs fans took to Twitter to thank him for all these years with the organization.
Never forget the Kevin Love Lockdown in Cleveland. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/0PmL671lmg
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) February 16, 2023
Throwback when Kevin love drop 34 in a quarter one of the craziest thing I ever seen pic.twitter.com/NP3Ecu0ajR
— alex🔮 (@alex637928) February 16, 2023
Thanks for the memories Kevin Love
He was the last player from the 2016 🏆 squad and here is his speech from the parade, WWE style 😎 pic.twitter.com/Khiy27yLNy
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) February 16, 2023
The most lovely hug on the Cavs history;
The most lovely day on the Cavs history;
The love is going but the love remains too;
Thank u for everything our Lovely 0, we just love u.@kevinlove pic.twitter.com/yYm06hxiby— Kleber Silva (@klebersilva321) February 16, 2023
While often overlooked, Love was actually one of the best PF’s in the league during his days with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and people seem to forget that he was capable of posting 20-20 games night in and night out.
Not many All-Stars would’ve accepted a lesser role for the team’s sake, so props to K-Love for that.
Now, there will be no shortage of teams interested in signing him at a veteran’s minimum deal.
Love can stretch the floor with his shooting, is an intelligent passer and helper, and can still be a big factor on both sides of the glass.
His days in Cleveland might be over, but he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
NEXT: The Cavaliers Welcome A Returning Star Back To Cleveland
