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After nine seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it appears that Kevin Love’s time in Cleveland is coming to an end. According to Shams Charania and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic on Wednesday night, the Cavs and Love are completing a contract buyout. In recent weeks, Love was taken out of the Cavaliers’ regular rotation. The Miami Heat are reportedly the favorites to sign the veteran forward, though the buyout has not yet been completed.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love are finalizing a contract buyout, with the Miami Heat expected to emerge as a suitor for the five-time All-Star should the sides finalize parting ways, league sources tell The Athletic.
Love has played in 41 games this season, but only three of those appearances have been as a starter. He has averaging career lows in points (8.5), minutes (20), and rebounds (6.8). Love missed the Cavs’ loss to the New York Knicks on January 24 due to a thumb injury he had earlier this season. With a 38-23 record going into the All-Star break, the Cavaliers have won nine of their previous 12 games since Love has been out.
Fit with Miami
The former all-star makes a lot of sense for the Heat. All season long, Miami has been seeking frontcourt depth. They been starting 6-foot-5 guard Caleb Martin alongside Bam Adebayo. Additionally, they also need depth behind Adebayo. If signed, Love would serve as a reserve option behind Adebayo. The Heat currently have two roster spots to sign a free agent. One of those spot are currently occupied by Jamaree Bouyea, who’s currently on a ten-day contract. Love may be a former shell of himself, but his spacing and passing would be welcomed in Miami.
In 853 games over the course of his career, Love has averaged 17.2 points and 10.5 rebounds. He is in the final year of his four-year, $120.4 million deal with Cleveland.
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