Kevin Love says he plans to return to Cavaliers next season
Cavaliers forward Kevin Love said on Tuesday he plans to stay with Cleveland through next year, foregoing free agency after this season, according to Chris Haynes of Northeast Ohio Media Group.
Love has been learning to adjust to a new role with the Cavaliers as the team has started the season 19-19. The 26-year-old said that while he continues to try to fully understand his role, he remains committed to Cleveland.
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"I think that we will figure it out here, so I don't plan on opting out or any of that," Love told NEOMG. "I plan on being here."
"I've said all along that I plan on being a Cavalier long-term...As we continue to evolve, my role will continue to evolve. We'll eventually figure it out...I think once we get back to a full lineup things will be different."
Love has a $16.7 million option for 2015-16, and would be able to sign a new contract prior to the 2016-17 season. By opting in, he delays further the point when he could sign a max deal with Cleveland or another team.
Love was traded to Cleveland over the summer after six years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, joining LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. The Cavaliers have been without James since Dec. 28, losing eight of their nine games in his absence.
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Through 37 games this season, Love has averaged 17.9 points and 10.5 rebounds on 44 percent shooting in 36 minutes per game. In 77 games during his final year with the Timberwolves, he shot 45.7 percent, recording 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.
Cleveland continues its western road trip on Tuesday, playing the Suns at 9 p.m. ET. The Cavaliers will then face the Lakers on Thursday at 10:30 p.m. ET and the Clippers at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday.
- Christopher Woody
