Report: Kevin Love opts out of contract with Cavaliers
Kevin Love has opted out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to a report from ESPN's Marc Stein.
According to the report, Love will become a free agent on July 1 and turn down his player option worth $16.7 million. Stein reports the Cavs were expecting the decision and that they currently plan to try and re-sign the former All-Star forward. Love missed the majority of Cleveland's run to the Finals after injuring his shoulder in the Cavs' first round series against Boston.
Stein reports the Lakers and Celtics are among the teams interested in Love, as well as his hometown Portland Trailblazers, should LaMarcus Aldridge walk in free agency.
Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that should Love visit Boston in July, the Celtics could attempt to sell him on joining the team alongside fellow free agents Robin Lopez (Portland) and Paul Pierce (Washington).
Recent reports have indicated the Cavaliers are looking into a sign-and-trade situation for Love, who they acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves last year in exchange for 2014 No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins. With a handful of players due for new contracts as Cleveland attempts to keep contending with LeBron James, keeping Love could prove costly.
On Tuesday, the Cavs picked up their $5 million team option on center Timofey Mozgov. The team faces somewhat of a contractual crossroads with Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert and Matthew Dellavedova all restricted free agents expected to receive qualifying offers. LeBron James and J.R. Smith hold player options in addition to Love.
Love said in May that he expected to be a member of the Cavs next season. Last week, General Manager David Griffin indicated the same.
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