The Cleveland Cavaliers and forward Kevin Love are in the process of finalizing a buyout that would enable him to become an unrestricted free agent, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Jason Lloyd. This deal positions Love to join a potential contender ahead of the League’s March 1st deadline for players to be playoff-eligible.
Rumored to be the top landing spot for Love, the Miami Heat are looking for a quality big man to join their rotation. The Philadelphia 76ers, however, could be a better fit for the 34-year-old forward. The Heat (32-27) currently sit at seventh in the Eastern Conference and don’t appear to be as strong as they were expected to be at the start of the year.
The Sixers (38-19), on the other hand, are tied for the best record in the league since January 1st, along with the Milwaukee Bucks. If not for some unseen losses to the Magic and Knicks, the Sixers would be well ahead of the league.
In 20 minutes per game this season, Kevin Love has averaged 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He’s appeared in 41 games and, after sitting out three games with back spasms, hasn’t seen the court since January 24th.
Love would bring the size, shooting, rebounding, and veteran leadership that could go a long way with a contender such as the Sixers.
It remains to be seen if team President Daryl Morey will make such a move, but it goes without saying Kevin Love would provide a huge lift to the Sixers as a whole.
