The first few weeks for Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers haven't gone to perfection, but the All-Star forward still plans to re-sign with the team. Love said he's "a Cleveland Cavalier for the long term," during an appearance on "Mike and Mike" Wednesday morning, as passed on by Scott Sargent of WFNY.
Kevin Love insists he won’t leave Cleveland
Cleveland’s star power forward has no plans to leave the franchise when he’s eligible to hit free agency after the season.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
With Love holding a player option for next season, a fact that led to his departure from Minnesota after showing disinterest in an extension, there’s been speculation he might not stick around in Cleveland should things not come together. With the Cavs stumbling to some degree early this season, that idea has persisted.
However, Love tried to assuage some of the concern Wednesday during his radio show appearance, saying he plans to be in Cleveland for a long time.
“If I could end all the speculation now, I would. But people are going to continue to talk no matter what. I just want to continue getting better with this team long term. I’m a Cleveland Cavalier.”
Love could technically sign an extension right now to commit to the Cavs long-term, but he would be giving up significant guaranteed money as a result. By waiting until the offseason and declining his option in order to become a free agent, Love can command a contract worth up to $107 million over five years, instead of the two-year extension he’s limited to accepting now.
That means playing the waiting game for everyone involved, which will lead to more speculation of Love’s departure unless (or until) the Cavs start rolling. Based on the player’s comments on Wednesday, though, it appears this partnership is going to last, no matter how things pan out during this chaotic season in Cleveland.
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