NBA Rumors: Top 3 potential landing spots for Kevin Love after finalizing buyout with Cleveland Cavaliers
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers are finalizing a contract buyout. The former five-time All-Star power forward has played the past nine seasons for Cleveland, including winning an NBA title with the franchise in 2016. However, he struggled to start the season and subsequently fell out of the Cavs’ rotation.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love are finalizing a contract buyout, sources tell me and @ByJasonLloyd.
Full details at @TheAthletic, including an Eastern Conference playoff contender expected to emerge as a suitor for Love: theathletic.com/4210496/2023/0…
Love, aged 34, last appeared in a game for Cleveland on Jan. 24. against the New York Knicks. In 41 games this season, Love averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 3-pointers per game. Despite his offensive inefficiency and sub-par defense, Love is still expected to have multiple suitors in the buyout market. This comes as he still offers value as a floor-spacing big with championship experience.
So on that note, here are three potential landing spots for Kevin Love following his buyout.
3. Kevin Love to the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns (32-27, fourth in the West) have been rounding out their roster following their blockbuster trade to acquire superstar forward Kevin Durant last week. The Suns have already signed veteran wing Terrence Ross on the buyout market. However, they still lack forward depth. They also rank just 18th in team offensive rating (113.5). So adding Love would add to the depth and offensive firepower of a team that is clearly going all in on trying to win now.
2. Kevin Love to the Milwaukee Bucks
Despite having won 11 straight games, the Milwaukee Bucks (40-17, second in the East) still lack depth in the frontcourt. The Bucks also rank just 22nd in team offensive rating (112.6) and 16th in 3-point percentage (35.9%). So Love could offer the Bucks another big off the bench who could improve their team spacing.
1. Kevin Love to the Miami Heat
According to Shams Charania, the Miami Heat “have an open roster spot and have canvassed the market recently for a big man.” The Heat (32-27, seventh in the East) rank just 28th in team 3-point shooting (33.4%) and 26th in rebounding (41.4RPG). In addition, they are just 26th in team offensive rating (111.1). So Love’s shooting and rebounding abilities would fit in perfectly on a Miami team that needs a boost in both areas.