Kevin Love Has Opted Out Of His Contract With The Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns Expected To Pursue
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, it has been rumored for quite some time now that forward Kevin Love was going to opt out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Today, Love — nephew of Beach Boys singer Mike Love — made it official, according to the Washington Post.
ESPN sources say Cavs forward Kevin Love has opted out of the final year of his contract and will be a free agent July 1
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 24, 2015
Cavaliers General Manger David Griffin expected this move to take place, since players can sign larger maximum contract deals under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement.
David Griffin says he believes LeBron James and Kevin Love will opt out, but he expects them to be back with #Cavs.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 18, 2015
Here’s a breakdown of the money Kevin can earn if he re-ups with the Cavs, or decides to head to one of the other 29 teams in the Association.
Kevin Love opts out of final year, will be free agent Possible deals, projected money: Re-signs: 5-years, $108.3M Leaves: 4-years, $80.4M
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 24, 2015
Clearly, the smart money says Love eventually decides to re-sign with Cleveland, the team that acquired him in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves for 2014’s No. 1 overall pick, and Rookie of the Year, Andrew Wiggins.
With a core nucleus of Love, point guard Kyrie Irving, and and do-it-all forward LeBron James (who is also expected to opt out in order to re-sign for more money), Cleveland poses a threat to win the NBA Finals for the next five-plus years, seeing as how all three superstars are still in their prime.
Per Marc Stein of ESPN, when asked if Kevin wanted to return to Cleveland after this season, he replied, “Yes. I want to win.”
The Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trailblazers, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics are all expected to heavily pursue Love.
Sources: If Kevin Love goes forward with visits in July, expect Boston to sell him on pursuing group of Love, Robin Lopez and…Paul Pierce.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 24, 2015
Opt-out sets up Love to sign extension w/ Cavs, but teams want crack at pitching him. Another suitor promising to be aggressive: Phoenix.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 24, 2015
Love played one season for the UCLA Bruins before being drafted fifth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2008 NBA Draft. He was immediately shipped to the Timberwolves in exchange for third overall pick, O.J. Mayo.
Kevin’s production dipped slightly this year after playing alongside Irving and James. He averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds through 75 regular-season games, whereas the year before, he posted 26.4 points and 12.5 boards.
Throughout his 7 years in the NBA, Love has been named an All-Star three times (2011–12, 2014), was the Most Improved Player in 2011, and has twice been a member of the All-NBA Second Team (2012, 2014), per Basketball Reference.
Kevin earned a Gold Medal with Team USA at the 2012 Olympics in London, and is the son of former NBA player Stan Love.
What jersey do you want to see Love wearing when the 2015-16 NBA season officially begins?
[Photo by Maddie Meyer / Getty Images]
