Throughout the course of this season, numerous rumors have been birthed in regards to Cavaliers forward Kevin Love’s desire to test the free agent waters in hopes of being offered a max deal from the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers or Boston Celtics.
Love, who has not played since the first round of the NBA Playoffs due to a dislocated shoulder suffered in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, had struggled throughout the year to make a seamless transition with the Cavs, as he went from main cog to third fiddle for the first time in his NBA career.
Pair Love’s acclamation problems with the prospect of him making max cash as the face of a franchise such as the Lakers or Celtics in addition to the rumors that have swirled around this season, and that may lead one to believe that the former UCLA Bruin is going to depart from Cleveland right? Well according to Love himself, there’s no need for speculation in terms of his commitment to the Cavaliers.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com has the scoop.
Kevin Love on next season: “I truly expect to be suiting up for Game 1.” For the Cavs? Love: “Yes, sir.”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 31, 2015
Love’s teammates are slated to tip-off the NBA Finals against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, so of course he’s going to issue the politically correct response in regards to his free agent status. Love has a player option this summer, and he may be inclined to look elsewhere after the emergence of Tristan Thompson this postseason, but does Love really value big bucks and gaudy numbers over perennial title contention?
In my opinion the answer is no, and I believe Love will be a Cavalier come next season, but it must be understood that money talks, and that stranger things have happened in free agency. This situation will be a closely monitored one for the entire offseason, and if Love doesn’t re-up with Cleveland quickly, many will believe that’s just another indicator of his desire to leave the Cavs.
