A reunion between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love is possible if the veteran big man is bought out by the Utah Jazz. Cavs fans are reacting with mixed emotions about Love’s potential return to The Land.
“The Cavs have given K Love quite enough money to NOT play basketball,” one fan commented on Fear the Sword’s article. “Enough is enough.”
In nearly nine years with Cleveland, Love made more than $230 million. Given that Cleveland is a second apron team, the only way they can sign Love is on a veteran minimum contract.
“If he’s playing a tough playoff series outside of garbage time,” commented another fan, “that’s likely an injury-induced problem. But for a (minimum)? Sure thing. Less of a problem than playing Tristan (Thompson) or most 12-13th men.”
The speculation comes shortly after Love was traded from the Miami Heat to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team deal also including the Los Angeles Clippers.
Shortly after the trade, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on X that Love is “certainly a buyout candidate in Utah.”
The 36-year-old NBA vet also took to X with his immediate reaction. “Never thought I’d be a math problem,” Love posted. “Welcome to the NBA.”
Why a buyout makes sense
Love is undoubtedly near the end of his career, most likely seeking a roster spot with a championship contender. Last season, he appeared in only 23 games, averaging a career low 10.9 minutes and 5.3 points per game.
Despite shooting poorly overall– 35.7% from the field – he still shot 35.8% from 3-point range on 2.9 attempts per game. It’s unlikely that his next team will require much more than occasional minutes and filling in for injured players.
What Love provides most is what a lot of teams lack: championship experience. The Cavaliers, in particular, have only two players on their roster who have been to the NBA Finals – Max Strus and Larry Nance Jr. – neither of whom won the championship.
Love’s locker room presence is most valuable at this stage in his career. Couple that with his ability to spread the floor, he will certainly draw interest in the free agency market if he is bought out by Utah.
