The Cavaliers have reportedly agreed to a buyout with veteran forward Kevin Love, after his role with the team had diminished during the season. Once he’s available, another Eastern Conference playoff contender—the Heat—is expected to make a serious run at the five-time All-Star, per The Athletic‘s Shams Charania.
“Interested teams believe Miami’s ability to offer a defined role and playoff positioning are leading factors,” Charania says, calling the team the “leaders” in pursuit of Love.
The 34-year-old has played in 41 games for Cleveland this season, with three starts. His 20 minutes, 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game are all career lows, and he hasn’t played in a game since Jan. 24.
It is understandable for Cleveland to want to do right by Love, a member of the franchise for nine seasons and the remaining link back to the 2016 NBA title team. However, if Miami is able to add him, it could bolster a potential Cavaliers playoff opponent.
Cleveland is currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference at 38–23, while Miami sits in seventh place at 32–27, with the Nets and Knicks separating the two teams. If the Heat have a second-half run, there is certainly potential for the two teams to see each other in the first round of the playoffs.
