KEY POINTS

  • Kevin Love is not settling for a buyout agreement with the Cavaliers
  • The Nets are ready to come in if a buyout happens
  • The value of Love may dip if he gets little playing time as a backup with the Cavs

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly plan to utilize Kevin Love as a backup player, something that may not sit well with the All-Star center.

Hence, it comes as no surprise that several NBA teams have been linked to the 32-year-old player, but getting a deal done won’t be easy.

For one, there is the matter of settling the $60 million salary Love is due for the next two years.

According to Love’s agent Jeff Schwartz, there have been no discussions regarding the player’s status with the Cavs.

Schwartz also bared that there was no real desire from their side to resort to a contract buyout.

“There have been no talks with Cleveland on a buyout, nor is there any interest from Kevin in doing a buyout,” Schwartz told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The only real way for Love to move to another NBA team is if clubs are willing to engage in a trade.

One team that is interested in Love is reportedly the Brooklyn Nets. Unfortunately, completing a deal may seem farfetched considering the Nets are among the teams who are not financially flexible.

According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, the Nets are reportedly interested in Love and Isaac Hartenstein.

But the only way that Brooklyn may get their hands on the five-time All-Star is if it happens via a buyout.

Considering Love is at that age where he is looking for security, opting not to settle for a buyout is understandable.

But it places him and the Cavaliers in a precarious situation, especially when it comes to getting some mileage.

With Love looming as someone who may not get the proper playing minutes, his efficiency and value may take a dip.

Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers Getty Images | Emilee Chinn

As far as the Cavaliers are concerned, it also deprives them of getting the best out of Love.

Other than that, it also prevents them from getting a player that they feel fits into their system starting with the 2021-22 NBA season.

The direction of the Cavaliers is to rebuild and focus on youth. At 32, Love may not fit into those plans.

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