If confirmed, it comes as no surprise that Love will consider his options this summer as even though he has insisted all year that he intends on staying in Cleveland, he may well now choose to meet with other teams. Boston tried to trade for Love last season before the Minnesota Timberwolves sent him to Cleveland.
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A shoulder injury in the first round of the playoffs ended Love’s first season in Cleveland. Love underwent surgery after his shoulder was yanked from its socket by Kelly Olynyk. James, too, will opt out next week and hit the market, but he’s expected to re-sign with the Cavs, who got past Atlanta to win the Eastern Conference title but had their lack of depth exposed when the Warriors beat them in six games.
Love was questioned about the speculation surrounding him regarding opting out and leaving Cleveland for a new team after only one season.
The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and the Boston Celtics are said to be possible destinations for Love if he leaves the Cavs.
In his seventh campaign with Portland, Batum averaged 9.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game while battling nagging injuries. The AP reports that last week Cavs general manager David Griffin said he expects both James and Love to opt out of their contracts. The Cavaliers’ run and the emergence of forward Tristan Thompson has management considering a sign-and-trade with Love during the summer, according to Grantland.com’s Zach Lowe. But it means playing next to Kobe Bryant, probably in his last season, and it’s never easy playing alongside someone who doesn’t want to share the spotlight (like LeBron James) but also isn’t that good.
He had until June 25 to opt into his 2015-16 contract, which was worth $6,399,750. Not only that, but if he does re-sign with the Cavs, will it be on a one-year deal or full max extension. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst is reporting the Cavs are offering a huge deal of $80-100 million to keep Love.
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The Lakers and possibly the Trail Blazers reportedly will be active in pursuing Love as well. Fried didn’t rule out a return to Dallas, but the Mavericks are expected to make a push for either All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge or center DeAndre Jordan in free agency. Shumpert’s defensive game blossomed throughout the playoffs and he plays a vital role in a smaller rotation.
