NBA Rumors: Kevin Love buyout market could come down to two teams

NBA Rumors: Kevin Love’s buyout market could come down to the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat. 

Once Kevin Love quickly fell out of importance and, more importantly, when began to dwindle with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it became apparent that his exit from the team was a foregone conclusion. And after not being moved at the trade deadline, he agreed to a buyout with Cleveland, making him free to sign with whichever team he wants to for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.

Per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the expectation is that the Phoenix Suns could emerge as a potential landing spot for Love. The Miami Heat have been named as another team that equally makes as much sense as the Suns, and they have already shown an interest in the former all-star.

Even though Love is no longer in the prime of his career, he still has the ability to play a valuable role for a team that needs depth along the frontcourt and a player that could still keep the defenses honest from the 3-point line.

This season with the Cavs, Love averaged nine points and seven rebounds on 35 percent shooting from 3-point range. He appeared in 41 games for Cleveland this season, averaging 20 minutes per contest.

What does Kevin Love value as he searches for a new team?

Ultimately, Love’s decision could come down to one factor. What role does he want to play for his new team? What will Love’s decision come down to? Will it come down to the best opportunity to win a championship? Or will it come down to the team that gives him the best possible role for him?

And if we know the answer to that, perhaps we would have more clarity when it comes to predicting where Love will sign for the remainder of the season.

If Love wants to win a championship, it’s clear where he should sign. If the Suns are a legit option for Love, that is probably the landing spot that gives him the best shot at a championship. Even if it won’t offer him the best chance at playing time on a consistent basis.

However, if Love does want to play an expanded role for the rest of the season, perhaps the Heat would be the better option. There’s a legit chance that Love would start in Miami with as much as they have struggled with the power forward position this season.

It will be interesting to see how Love’s decision plays out, and perhaps it will come down to the Heat or Suns.