Kevin Love was the second most coveted free agent this offseason, with many teams around the league thinking they could lure him away from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
RELATED: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kevin Love
Throughout the season, however, Love repeatedly said that he will be returning to the Cavs and wants to play for a winner after six disgruntled seasons with the Timberwolves.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Cavaliers and Love finished talks as Love agreed to a 5-year, $110 million deal with the Cavs. The move secures the Cavs biggest free agent question mark behind LeBron James.
Love announced his decision in a similar way that LeBron announced his return to Cleveland, via an online letter to the fans. It wasn’t as long as James’ letter, but was just as meaningful to see that Love would keep his word to the fans. Here’s what the letter said:
“I’m going back to Cleveland.
After Game 1 of the NBA Finals, that’s when it really struck me. Sitting on the sidelines, I never wanted to play in a game more than that one. I had dreamed of playing in the NBA Finals and I just wanted to help my guys win. I couldn’t have been prouder of them as they poured their blood, sweat and tears onto the court.
Yeah, of course I’ve heard the free agency rumors. But at the end of the day, and after meeting with my teammates (it turns out pools are great meeting places) and with the front office, it was clear Cleveland was the place for me. We’re all on the same page and we’re all in. We have unfinished business and now it’s time to get back to work.”
Kevin Love will accept a five-year, $110 million contract extension with the Cavs according to sources
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 1, 2015
RELATED: Kevin Love: Unfinished Business
In 75 regular season games this season, Love averaged 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
