Why is Kevin Love leaving Cavs? Exploring reports on 5x All-Star's buyout talks with Cleveland Cavaliers
Kevin Love is no longer a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. After nine seasons in Ohio and one championship ring, the 34-year-old forward is ready to move on and find another team.
Love and the Cavs reached a buyout agreement, which will make the veteran forward a free agent once he clears waivers. Considering that Love was on a $28.9 million contract for the 2022-23 season, buying him out makes a lot of sense for the Cavaliers.
Despite being one of the highest-paid forwards in the league, Kevin Love has averaged only 20.0 minutes per game this season. His role has drastically decreased, which is why he'll be looking for another contract soon.
Kevin Love reached a buyout agreement with the Cleveland Cavaliers and will be a free agent
While Love's role on the Cavaliers wasn't big, this doesn't mean that the two-time All-NBA player isn't a good player. He still has a lot in the tank and could be a great backup player for another contender.
According to Shams Charania, the Miami Heat have emerged as suitors for Love's services. Considering how badly the Heat need a big man, the former NBA champion might be the right piece for them.
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…
Kevin Love left the Cavaliers since he wasn't the right player for them. For the fourth straight season, Love's minutes have decreased and he was replaced by younger players.
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The power forward will most likely receive a bigger role on another team. Whether the Heat sign him to a contract or if he decides to play for another contender, he will likely be one of the best bench players in the league.
Love completely fell out of the rotation, getting no minutes in the last 12 games for the team.
The buyout doesn't just help Love, but it also opens up a roster spot for the Cavaliers. Considering that they are the fourth-best team in the Eastern Conference, they could sign another player who'd help them have a deep playoff run.
Love is having the worst season of his career
Kevin Love's role on the Cavaliers has decreased so much that he's having the worst season of his 15-year NBA career. In 41 games, the 6-foot-8 forward is averaging a career-low 8.5 points per game.
Besides his scoring ability, Love is known as a great rebounder. However, his rebounding numbers are down as well with 6.8 boards per game.
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While Love's numbers are down across the board, he could be a decent backup for many other teams in the league. The veteran forward might sign a new deal before the 2023 All-Star Weekend.