Kevin Love will test free agency but will likely re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, reports Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix.
Kevin Love ‘highly likely’ to return to Cavaliers, per report
Love will become a free agent but don’t expect him to switch teams.
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Love opted out of the last year of his contract and will become a free agent on July 1, but all signs point to him staying in Cleveland. Opting out was always less about potentially leaving than getting a new max contract signed, one that could pay him $110 million over five years, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
LeBron James also opted out and will reportedly wait until the key rotation players that will become free agents are brought back before re-signing. That group includes Love.
Several teams are expected to make overtures to Love, including the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns, but the former All-Star can make more money long-term by staying in Cleveland. Leaving a team that reached the NBA Finals even after serious injuries would also represent a step back for someone who had not been to the playoffs in his career until this past season. The only reason there were rumors about Love possibly leaving were the result of a reported rift with James that now appears to be in the past.
Love looked uncomfortable at times in his first season in Cleveland but still averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game while spreading the floor by shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc.
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