He’s played a total of 12 seasons in the NBA for five different teams.
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That decision is not entirely in his hands. He will officially become an unrestricted free agent. How management and James determines the team’s makeup going forward will influence their decision on whether to re-sign or trade Love.
It seems unlikely that Love would be lured to Boston based on the addition of a defensive role player and a 37-year old, especially when other teams can offer him a fellow superstar to play with. By opting out, Love is eligible to sign a deal that would start at $18.9 next season.
ESPN’s Marc Stein said the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers are also likely to make a bid for Love’s services. Following the surgery, the Cavs said it could take as many as six months for him to recover, which would take Love into the start of training camp.
“It’s just the way the world works now”.
Whether he really expects Love to be back is another story.
“Yes, sir (when asked if this will be with the Cavaliers)”.
Still, it’s important to note that this comes with an “if Kevin Love goes forward with visits” disclaimer.
Love was traded to the Cavaliers last summer by the Minnesota Timberwolves. But now that Love has gotten a taste of what the Cavaliers can accomplish, James clearly feels that firsthand experience is enough to convince Love to re-up with the NBA finalists.
In February, James criticized Love when he tweeted, “Stop trying to find a way to FIT-OUT and just FIT-IN”.
The option used by the Cavaliers was one of the reasons they obtained Mozgov from Denver last season for two first-round picks in the NBA Draft, ensuring they would have the 7-footer for a second season at a relative bargain price. He and LeBron James aren’t the best of friends, but they get along on the court, and that’s what matters, isn’t it?
NBA executives believe that the Love is not indispensable for the Cavs after they advanced to the 2015 Finals without him. We knew when this cover came out that Love would opt out of this deal. “I plan on being here” was his previous statement. As far as leaving my options open, I mean sure, it’s always there.
He joined the Cavs from the Denver Nuggets in a trade and averaged 10.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in 46 regular-season games.
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