Ever since his first year for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Love’s name has continuously popped up in every trade rumor involving the wine and gold. The speculations only gained traction when he signed a megabuck deal with the Cavs in the summer of 2019.
Love’s game has been on a decline in recent years. A plethora of injuries didn’t help his case as he tried to regain his old form. But ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, the Cavs are expected to take a more cautious approach with the former All-Star.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Love will likely be relegated to a lesser role next season. This comes as no surprise given Love’s struggles coupled with the Cavs’ younger, talented front liners, namely Larry Nance Jr. and Jarrett Allen.
Nance has proven to be one of the better and more versatile defenders in the league when healthy. Meanwhile, all bets are on Allen being retained by the Cavs in restricted free agency. It would take a massive overpay if other teams are to pry Allen away from Cleveland especially after being pegged by the many as the Cavs’ center of the future.
Furthermore, a potential addition of Evan Mobley via the NBA Draft would make such a plan for Kevin Love more necessary.
With two years and over $60 million left in his contract, the Cavs will be hardpressed to move Love. However, he will be suiting up for Team USA in the Tokyo Olympics this year. It’s a golden opportunity for the sweet-shooting big man to prove that he can still provide significant contributions.