The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love have been together for quite some time, but the relationship that involved winning the 2016 NBA Finals together will be coming to an end.
As first reported by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Cavs and Love have begun discussing a buyout agreement with the expectation of an agreement being reached during the All-Star break. Where could he end up playing next?
During a recent appearance on SportsCenter, Windhorst reported that while the Miami Heat are a team to watch as a player for Love on the buyout market, there is a real chance that a stipulation in part of a buyout agreement could bar him from joining an Eastern Conference squad.”
“There are two I think we should look at right now. One would be the Miami Heat, obviously always a player in the buyout market. They have two roster spots available and Kevin, and they’re looking for shooting and size, which Kevin Love, if he’s healthy, can provide. But the issue might be whether the Cavs will allow him, as part of the buyout agreement, to go to an Eastern Conference team.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers & Phoenix Suns Updates
With the potential complication of joining an inner-conference rival, the Phoenix Suns are a team to monitor, per Windhorst. The Suns’ front office is led by president of basketball operations James Jones, who used to be teammates with Love on the Cavaliers.
“Miami is a potential first round opponent to the Cavs, and that may be. Of the talks as they try to come to terms a team in the Western Conference though that I’d keep an eye out for the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have been doing some background research into Kevin over the last 24 hours. And don’t forget James Jones, the team president was teammates with Kevin Love when they won the championship in 2016 with the Cavs.”
Windhorst explained further: “The new look Suns have a roster spot, have a bunch of money, they can still pay to free agents. So keep an eye on the Suns as a contender for Kevin.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers & Phoenix Suns Updates
The Suns have already proven capable of making a late recruiting push on the buyout market. Terrence Ross was initially supposed to sign with the Dallas Mavericks before a late recruiting effort from Phoenix changed his plans.
After trading for Kevin Durant in a surprise move before the midseason deadline, the Suns appear to be a major threat to win the NBA Finals this season. Chris Paul has regained his expected form, while Devin Booker continues to improve. Deandre Ayton is still in the frontcourt after the Durant trade, too. If they can fortify depth by signing buyout players, it would go a long way.
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