Golden State Warriors Rumors: Kevin Love could be interesting option for defending champions
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly looking to add a big man from the buyout market. With Kevin Love expected to be bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the latest rumors suggest that he'll be an interesting option for the defending champions.
Shams Charania and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reported that Love and Cleveland are expected to reach a buyout agreement ahead of the March 1 deadline. The veteran guard has been with the Cavaliers since 2014, helping them win their only championship in 2016.
The Athletic also noted that the Miami Heat are expected to pursue Love once he becomes available. Other teams linked to the five-time All-Star are the LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns.
Meanwhile, Monte Poole of NBC Sports thinks that Love is a potential fit for the Warriors.
Kevin Love’s biggest #Cavs moment?
Guarding Steph Curry for 13 seconds with under a minute left of Game 7 in 2016 to help seal Cleveland’s first title since 1964. Legend. #TheStop
#LetEmKnow https://t.co/uSsh7Gcvnn
Poole explained that Kevin Love remains a good rebounder and 3-point shooter. He added that Love has not played starter minutes for the past two seasons and the Golden State Warriors could make it work.
Meanwhile, Ali Thanwala also pointed out how Love is an interesting option for the Warriors. The defending champs still have an open roster spot and general manager Bob Myers is clear on what he wants to add from the buyout market.
"Yeah, we'll have to look at the buyout market," Myers told reporters on Monday. "I think much like last year's deadline, we moved forward with Looney and Draymond, who have kind of split minutes in the regular season. JaMychal, I guess, is who you can call our other big.
"Last year, we also had a couple of non-traditional bigs. Nemanja Bjelica's not in the NBA, so I can talk about him. He was a shooting big who did a nice job and was another good player that helped us. We hope that we have enough, but we'll look and see."
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Can Klay Thompson recruit Kevin Love to join the Golden State Warriors?
Several teams are expected to pursue Kevin Love once he becomes a free agent. The Miami Heat offers a warmer climate and amazing team culture, while the LA Lakers have his former teammate LeBron James. The Phoenix Suns could also take a look at Love given their need for another big man.
However, the Golden State Warriors have an ace on their sleeve if they want to recruit Love. Klay Thompson has been friends with Love since they were children, growing up in Oregon. They were even Little League teammates in 2001.
Perhaps Thompson could play his part in convincing Love to join the Warriors?
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