NBA Rumors: Now that the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a buyout with Kevin Love, the Miami Heat have emerged as the favorites to sign him.
After some initial skepticism of whether the Cleveland Cavaliers would move forward with buying out Kevin Love, all that is now officially out the window. According to a recent report, Love and the Cavs have officially agreed to a contract buyout, clearing the way for him to sign with any team he wants for the remainder of the season. He will be eligible for the playoffs as well.
While Love has not made a decision just yet, there appears to be a favorite. The Miami Heat has emerged as the early favorite to sign Love for the remainder of the season. But before anything is official, the expectation is that Love could meet with other teams. The Phoenix Suns have already been linked to Love as have the Los Angeles Lakers. Per Woj, Love is set to meet with the Philadelphia 76ers before he makes any official decision.
Love may not be in the prime of his career anymore but could still provide some added depth for a playoff team. Before his buyout from the Cavs, Love was averaging nine points and seven rebounds per game on 35 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Kevin Love to the Miami Heat makes a ton of sense
Love would be a solid addition for any team heading into the push toward the playoffs but he makes a ton of sense for the Heat. Miami’s two biggest weaknesses are what exactly what Love would be for them.
He could start at the power forward position, allowing Caleb Martin to return to a role for him that he is likely much more comfortable with. Plus, Love is a player that could help this team’s 3-point struggles.
Love is a historically good 3-point shooter and while he may have fallen off a bit, he is still a respectable shooter. Plus, he’s a good rebounder. That should help take some of the pressure off of Bam too.
Sure, Love may be somewhat of a liability in some defensive sets but his skill set on the offensive end of the floor is something that may be worth the gamble for the Heat.
At this point, Miami needs any type of spark they could get. And after not making a move at the NBA Trade Deadline, Love could be exactly what this team needs right now.