Former Cavalier Kevin Love Leaves Door Open To Cleveland Return
In the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 111-99 victory over the Miami Heat last night, one of Miami’s main factors was a familiar face.
Off the bench, Heat forward Kevin Love had one of his best performances of the season against the team he won the 2016 NBA Championship with.
He recorded his second double-double of the season, tying his season-high of 14 points and grabbing a season-high 12 rebounds.
Love also tallied season-highs in: field goals (five), three-pointers made (four) and attempted (eight), steals (one, tied), blocks (one), and minutes played (28).
Dec 8, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) attempts a three point shot over Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) during the first half at Kaseya Center.
© Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
In a recent article, Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor writes that the Miami big man had an exclusive interview with Cleveland.com after the game.
In the interview, Love expressed how ending his NBA career in Cleveland remains a possibility for him.
“‘I’m never ruling that out. I have so many great relationships there and people that I love. I’m not done with Cleveland. I am definitely open to coming back and retiring there.’”
The 35-year-old had a remarkable nine seasons with the Cavaliers, averaging 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 37.6% from three-point range in 489 games.
Love currently ranks top-10 in Cleveland franchise history in: points (7,663, ninth), three-pointers made (1,096, second), field goals made (2,503, 10th), free throws made (1,561, eighth), defensive rebounds (3,720, third), and total rebounds (4,493, sixth).
The Cavaliers bought out his contract in February, shortly after which he joined the Heat for the remainder of last season. Miami then re-signed Love to a two-year contract this past offseason.
Given his age, Love’s career will likely end fairly soon. Based on his recent comments, it could end with the Cavaliers.
