Don’t expect the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love to become a free agent anytime soon. According to Love’s agent Jeff Schwartz, the five-time All-Star is not interested in seeking a buyout agreement with the Cavs.
With the Cavaliers being in a rebuild mode for some time now, there were expectations around the league that the franchise would look to move on from Love. The 32-year-old star reportedly wouldn’t mind this, but only if the move comes via trade.
“There have been no talks with Cleveland on a buyout, nor is there any interest from Kevin in doing a buyout,” Schwartz told ESPN.
Trading Love, however, proved to be a lot more challenging than the Cavaliers thought. The combination of Love’s contract, which will pay him $60 million in the next two seasons, and his recent injury issues made other teams unwilling to come forward with an attractive offer.
Kevin Love could possibly warm-up to the buyout idea at some point in the season, especially since he isn’t expected to have a major role in 2021-22 on the Cavs. Cleveland has an abundance of young and talented frontcourt players, including this year’s No. 3 pick Evan Mobley and offseason addition Lauri Markkanen, who are all expected to be favored instead of the veteran.
Cavs inked Love to a four-year, $120 million extension in 2018, looking to make him the new face of the franchise after the departure of superstar LeBron James. But injuries and clashes with coaching staff ended up limiting Love’s impact on and off the field.
He played only 25 games in 2020-21, averaging just 12.2 points per game, his lowest since rookie season, and a career-low 7.4 rebounds.
