Throughout the first several weeks of the offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been quite stern on their approach to keeping All-Star forward Kevin Love out of the trade market.
Despite the departure of All-Star forward LeBron James via free agency on a four-year, $154 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cavaliers have stayed the course on retaining Love with the franchise, according to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic.
With James out of the picture, it has put Love at the forefront of potential trade rumors while also giving him a chance to become the team’s new leader should he stay. Although he has taken a backseat with being an offensive factor, this could be his opportunity to re-establish himself as one of the top big men in the league. Love is an all-around offensive talent has developed into a highly dependable 3-pointer shooter that can be a major factor in the paint offensively along with on the glass as one of the top rebounders in the NBA.
Love had excelled in that primary role during his days with the Minnesota Timberwolves where he averaged more than 20 points three times that includes at least 26.0 points twice while averaging at least 11.0 rebounds in all but his record campaign. The 29-year-old certainly possesses the talent to be a huge factor, which this new situation in Cleveland presents that chance to prove that next season.
What should be noted is that Love currently has two years left in his five-year, $113.2 million deal that has no team or player options in the final two years. Ultimately, the Cavaliers have the decision in their hands if they want to keep their All-Star big man aboard.