Cavaliers, Love finalizing contract buyout; Heat to emerge as suitor

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love are finalizing a contract buyout, with the Miami Heat expected to emerge as a suitor for the five-time All-Star should the sides finalize parting ways.

Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers are finalizing a contract buyout, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/FWyENgGYII

— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 16, 2023

The 34-year-old Love has spent the last nine seasons of his 15-year NBA career with the Cavaliers, being part of Cleveland’s 2016 championship team and making consecutive All-Star teams in 2017 and 2018.

He battled through a thumb injury earlier this season and was removed from the Cavaliers’ rotation in recent weeks, clearing the way for him and the organization to begin discussions on a potential buyout arrangement that allows him to seek a better playing opportunity.

More on this topic:

Cavs’ Mobley agrees to a 5-year, 224 million dollar extension

Kevin Love ends his career with the Cavaliers…

▫️ 9th in PTS
▫️ 3rd in playoff PTS
▫️ 6th in REB
▫️ 3rd in playoff REB
▫️ 2nd in 3PM
▫️ 3rd in playoff 3PM

He also made 2 All-Star teams, and most importantly, helped bring home an NBA title. Thank you, Kevin Love. pic.twitter.com/gMA6FbaepL

— ɴᴏᴛ (@georgemikan) February 16, 2023