The Cavaliers are still in the market for frontcourt help, and one familiar name has surfaced: Kevin Love.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst brought up Love on The Hoop Collective podcast while discussing Cleveland’s search for another big man to back up Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
“The Cavs are looking for a big man and Kevin Love is out there,” Windhorst said. “That’s a guy to keep an eye on for Cleveland.”
Love, who turns 38 in September, spent nine seasons in Cleveland and was part of four straight NBA Finals teams, including the 2016 championship group. He would bring immediate familiarity if the Cavaliers decided to go that route, along with the kind of shooting and rebounding the roster could still use behind its top two bigs.
Last season, Love played 37 games for Utah and averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 37.3 percent from 3-point range.
Cleveland already added Thomas Bryant earlier this summer, but the team could still use more insurance in the middle. Nae’Qwan Tomlin could also take another step this season, though the Cavs are clearly still weighing their options.
Love is not short on possible landing spots, either. His agent, Jeff Schwartz, had contact with Philadelphia earlier this summer after LeBron James signed with the 76ers, but nothing came of it. Love also has a strong relationship with Jazz coach Will Hardy, and Utah has interest in bringing him back.
For now, a reunion with the Cavaliers is only something to monitor, not something that appears close. But Cleveland wants another big man, and Love remains available.
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What made the opening possible was James Harden declining his player option and then signing a new deal later than anticipated, which created the kind of cap flexibility that can change a summer plan in a hurry. Harden has also reportedly been involved in recruiting Watson and has been active in team workouts, a detail that adds an unusual layer to a move Cleveland fans probably did not see coming when the offseason started. [Read more 🡒]
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What makes the conversation more interesting is how much of this comes down to fit as much as talent. The Cavaliers are not just collecting names, they are trying to stitch together a group that can settle in quickly, build chemistry and avoid the kind of uneven stretches that can cost a team in the standings. If the pieces come together the way Cleveland believes they can, the path to finishing atop the Eastern Conference suddenly looks more real than it did when the summer began. [Read more 🡒]