The Cleveland Cavaliers have expressed confidence about re-signing both LeBron James and Kevin Love this summer, but they probably shouldn’t count on the former to convince the latter to stick around.
LeBron James won't be re-recruiting Kevin Love, I'm told. He believes Love understands he can be a part of something special. It's his call.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 24, 2015
Love opted out of his deal with the Cavs on Wednesday, as expected, and now the fun (read: wild rumors) begins.
The big fella, for what it’s worth, said he plans on returning to Ohio next season.
Sources: If Kevin Love goes forward with visits in July, expect Boston to sell him on pursuing group of Love, Robin Lopez and…Paul Pierce.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 24, 2015
Cleveland remains the frontrunner to sign Love to a five-year, $100M-plus extension, but Love could be willing to hear out Celtics, Lakers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 24, 2015
Love, 26, averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds last season, but struggled to fit in before a left shoulder injury ended his campaign in the first round of the Playoffs.
Per the News-Herald:
Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love opted out of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. […] In the coming days, teammates J.R. Smith and LeBron James are expected to follow suit and also become unrestricted free agents.
Love was set to earn $16.7 million with the Cavaliers in 2015-16. Love has said he wants to remain with the Cavaliers. He’ll either sign a two-year deal, with an option after one season, or a multiyear pact. He’s eligible for a five-year, $100 million deal. […] Either way, he’ll probably get maximum dollars.
The 6-foot-10, 243-pounder could draw interest from several teams in free agency, including Boston, the Los Angeles Lakers and possibly Portland. If he decides to seriously listen to other suitors, he won’t be on the market very long.
