Cleveland, OH-
Kevin Love may have played his final game as a Cleveland Cavalier. Love last took the court for the wine and gold on January 24.
Chris Fedor with Cleveland.com reported this morning that the veteran is finalizing his contract buyout, “Cavs power forward Kevin Love…made a formal request for a buyout on Wednesday, hours before the team’s final game before the All-Star break.” Fedor continued “Cleveland’s decision-makers, including chairman Dan Gilbert, will discuss that possibility amongst themselves and with Love’s representation over the next few days, sources tell Cleveland.com”
Love is in his final season of a 4-year contract extension. At the NBA’s March 1 deadline he would become a free agent. Love would be eligible to sign with a team and can participate in the playoffs. Several teams such as the Warriors and the Heat are rumored to have interest in the Cavs’ veteran.
Questions swirl as Love removed from Cavs’ rotation
The 34-year-old has seen his minutes decrease prior to being removed from the rotation. Thus leaving fans questioning his status with the team. Prior to the trade deadline there was speculation that there may be some movement however that wasn’t the case.
Cav’s General Manager, Koby Altman, spoke of a trade or buyout at that time saying, “Not one time since I’ve been here that have that approached me about that,” Altman explained “I think we’re asking Kevin to make another sacrifice this year to do what he’s doing…which is being a great teammate, stay positive every day, stay ready and work on your body, work on your shot, work on everything to be ready for when that opportunity comes next. We got healthy and I think JB liked the rotation that we were going with and I think that’s a part of it. Not easy for Kevin, I’m sure.”
Danny Green signs with the Cavs
The Cavs announced the signing of Danny Green on Wednesday morning. He played 12 minutes resulting in three points, one rebound and one steal. It’s quite possible that the signing of Green factored in Love’s decision to request a buyout. The fact that Green was inserted immediately into the rotation leaves the speculation that Love saw the end of his time in Cleveland.
Memories and a Championship
Love has been with the Cavs since 2014 when he traded by the Timberwolves. In his nine years with Cleveland he has been a part of many memorable moments.
The most significant was his role in the 2016 NBA championships. Game 7 of the Cav’s title win was epic. Love chipped in nine points and 14 rebounds. However, the moment that will forever be etched was “The Stop.” The power forward was able to lock down Steph Curry in the final moments of the game.
Everyone talks about the SHOT or the BLOCK imo the STOP was just as important Thank you @kevinlove go get you another one pic.twitter.com/yE2tLVShAy
— kyrie irving d rider ! cavs in 4! (@Sg_mackk) February 16, 2023
Since 2014 Love is the only Cavalier to play over 400 games. He became relatable to so many when he openly spoke about his struggles with anxiety. Love is an advocate for mental health and has helped people not only in Cleveland but across the nation.
Number 0 has given his heart to the city of Cleveland. He’s a class act and a legend. Love shared his top moments as a Cav on Twitter the beginning of January.
No particular order but these top my time as a Cav
Bron Game 1 2018 finals
Ky 55 vs Portland and 57 vs San Antonio
Don 71 tonight
Bron and Ky 41 a piece in game 5 down 3-2 2016 finals
Obviously my 34 point first quarter against PortlandWhat am I missing?
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 3, 2023
It’s an end of era in Cleveland as Love is the final member of the 2016 Championship team. No doubt that he will be remembered by Cavs fans for all he contributed on and off the court.
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