Kevin Love won't be with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA Finals, but he says he will be back in Cleveland and ready to play at the start of the season, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Kevin Love expects to be back with Cavaliers next season
Love told reporters Sunday that he’ll be back for Game 1 of next season.
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Talking to reporters for the first time since his season-ending shoulder surgery, Love said, “I truly expect to be suiting up for Game 1.” When asked by a reporter if it would be for the Cavaliers, Love responded, “Yes, sir.”
Love’s current contract has a $16.7 million player option for 2015-16, but he could opt out to explore free agency.
He has been out since injuring his shoulder in Game 4 of the Cavaliers' first-round series against the Boston Celtics on April 26. Without Love, the Cavaliers managed to beat the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks to advance to the NBA Finals, where they'll face the Golden State Warriors. Game 1 is set for Thursday, June 4.
Love averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in his first season with the Cavaliers. He didn't gel as much as expected with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving early in the season, but the Cavaliers were fantastic after the All-Star break with Love on the court.
Kelly Olynyk was involved in the play that injured Love's shoulder. Love said that he texted Olynyk and that the two of them have moved on from the play with no hard feelings.
Kevin Love says he sent Kelly Olynyk a text, saying it's all good. He has moved on.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 31, 2015 Love said he lost about 15 pounds after the surgery, according to McMenamin. Love also told reporters that he’s proud of what the Cavaliers have accomplished without him.
SB Nation presents: LeBron is carrying a team of spare parts. Again.
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