The Cleveland Cavaliers have completed their contract buyout with 15-year veteran Kevin Love, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
As Love looks for a new home, the Miami Heat have emerged as frontrunners. However, Wojnarowski reports that Love “plans to talk to the Philadelphia 76ers before making a decision.”
The Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors have also been linked to the five-time All-Star.
Love would be an interesting addition to the Heat or Sixers, two franchises with legitimate star power but glaring holes offensively.
Should Love sign with Miami, he would be their most reliable catch-and-shoot option in the frontcourt. The Heat are ranked last in the league in points per game (108.3) and 27th in offensive rating (111.4). A large reason why is their inability to knock down shots from the perimeter, as Miami ranks just 28th in 3-point percentage (33.4) despite 40.3 percent of their shots coming from beyond the arc.
Love would also help the Heat on the boards, where they rank 27th in total rebounds (41.4) and 26th in defensive rebounds (31.3).
Philadelphia’s need for Love is less significant given the presence of center Montrezl Harrell and forward P.J. Tucker. Nonetheless, they too could use a reliable catch-and-shoot option in the frontcourt. A player that can play off of guards James Harden and Tyrese Maxey or space the floor for MVP candidate Joel Embiid to go to work in the post.
However, a team that’s notoriously weak on the glass, Love’s primary contribution could be in the paint. The Sixers rank just 28th in the league in total rebounds, with 40.5 per game.