Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers have been quietly working on a buyout for some time.
Although both sides attempted to keep it very hush-hush, reports surfaced late last week that two teams were worth keeping an eye on as potential landing spots when the buyout was finalized.
Late Wednesday evening Shams Charania and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic confirmed what everyone already knew: Love was on his way out of Cleveland.
Cavs and Kevin Love are finalizing a buyout, per @ShamsCharania, @ByJasonLloyd
End of an era. pic.twitter.com/GCYGZSoVbM
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 16, 2023
So who will the 34-year-old NBA champ ultimately land with once the paperwork is filed? There appear to be three legitimate suitors for his services at the moment.
According to Charania and Lloyd, “the Miami Heat expected to emerge as a suitor for the five-time All-Star.”
Love’s fit with the organization is clear. Erik Spoelstra’s group desperately needs some frontcourt shooting, and although Love is shooting just 38.9 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from behind the arc, that is more a byproduct of inconsistent minutes.
Last season when he was seeing more regular playing time Love was shooting nearly 40 percent from three.
If not Miami, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to be an option for Love. His L.A. ties coupled with his close relationship with LeBron James have led to him being linked to the organization repeatedly.
Love’s lone career title came alongside James in 2016, and the pair still exchanges gifts for special occasions.
Finally, don’t sleep on the Portland Trail Blazers. In the past Love has suggested that he would love to team up with Damian Lillard and suit up for his hometown squad. This could finally be an opportunity to do just that.
The photos speak for themselves. https://t.co/hXzYPmx0fx
— Game 7 (@game7__) February 16, 2023
Either way, Love’s destiny will be in his own hands. He could go compete for a title with a championship contender, or he could put himself closer to home. Regardless, he isn’t long for Cleveland.
Where will Love ultimately finish the season out? Time will tell.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
