The power forward opted out of the final year of his contract and will be a free agent July 1, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.
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Even without James’ help, Cleveland is still reportedly the front-runner to sign Love. There would need to be a major change in the current circumstances to make Love want to be here and for the Celts to pursue him with the same vigor they did last summer.
Love missed most of the Cavs’ run to the National Basteball Association Finals after suffering a dislocated shoulder against the Celtics when Kelly Olynyk pulled down on Love’s left arm and yanked it out of the socket.
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.
But a year into this, I think the Cavs can win it without Love. He averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game with the Cavs this season. While the team doesn’t have salary-cap space or own James’ Bird rights, it is able to offer him a contract up to the max of around $22 million per year under league rules.
The Cavs have discussed offering Love a maximum deal, but it’s not clear if that’s what Love and his representatives are seeking. The Cavs themselves may be okay going forward with Tristan Thompson and replacing Love with cheaper labor, an idea recently floated out by Grantland’s Zach Lowe. Love, however, may see his value diminish if he struggles for another year in Cleveland.
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 National Basteball Association Draft, ensuring they would have the 7-footer for a second season at a relative bargain price.
Ellis led Dallas at 18.9 points per game last season.
As expected, the team picked up the $5 million option on center Timofey Mozgov’s contract for next season on Tuesday.
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Now there are other teams looking to get Love, with the Boston Celtics also interested, and the Portland Trail Blazers keeping a close eye on Love if LaMarcus Aldridge decides to leave Oregon.
