Cavaliers PF Kevin Love opted out of the final year of his deal to become an unrestricted free-agent and the Blazers traded Nicolas Batum to the Hornets for Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh.
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Kevin Love decided to opt out of his final year with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he is not coming back to play with Lebron James. Moments after Love decided to seek a new NBA contract on Wednesday, reports surfaced that James was not going recruit him back to the Cavaliers. At least there is finally confirmation that James recruited Love to the Cavaliers in the first place. According to SB Nation, James “believes Love understands he can be part of something special.”
Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
However, it seems that this temporary marriage was short lived. If that’s truly the case, then Cleveland absolutely wasted the No.1 pick, Andrew Wiggins for one year of Love. To make matters worse, Love wasn’t able to complete the 2015 postseason due to injury. In hindsight, his decision to get season ending surgery, displayed Love’s urgency to get into free agency after the season. Otherwise, he would have finished out the postseason, had his surgery, and opted-in for his final year with Cleveland.
According to James Herbert of Sportsline.com, there was no incentive for Love to opt in with Cleveland. Even if he plans to stay with Cleveland, Herbert believes that becoming a free agent was the right move. However, Love was due to make $16.7 million, and that’s a lot of money to pass up. Despite his lackluster roll with the Cavaliers’ offense, Love can make $18.9 million next season. Yet and still, it’s hard to see Love’s ability to be put of full display with James running the team.
In addition, Tristan Thompson is James’ guy, and Cleveland’s defense, and offensive rebounding was stellar during the playoffs. Although Cleveland played a different brand of basketball in the playoffs, they were highly effective with Thompson replacing Love. That may have been enough for James to not want Love around.
The Boston Celtics are one of the favorites to get Love in free agency. They also have a plan for Love that could include the return of Paul Pierce, and the addition of Robin Lopez. Love will also be available to entertain the Los Angeles Lakers’ offer, while hearing proposals from Houston, and Portland. The bottom line, there will be no shortage of suitors for Love once the official free agency period starts.
No matter what happens, Love will have an opportunity to pick his perfect spot. As everybody has seen this season, that spot isn’t hanging beyond the 3-point line waiting for the ball.
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