The Boston Celtics' No. 1 target in free agency this summer reportedly is Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love. Boston may have a chance, too. A number of reports have previously indicated Love, who can become a free agent in July, will leave Cleveland after the season.
If Love does decide to test free agency, one of his suitors reportedly will be Boston.
"The Celtics have a ton of cash and are geared up to use it. Target number one is Kevin Love," Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler wrote Tuesday.
Cleveland's narrative so far has been reminiscent of the 2010 Miami Heat's narrative: Underperform early on, draw a lot of criticism, and then turn things around down the stretch. Although the Cavaliers have turned things around and currently sit fourth in the East, rumors continue to persist regarding Love's future with the team - largely because Love still doesn't look like himself in the Cavs' offense.
According to a report in February from Kyler, Love is in "wait and see" mode.
"I do not think he has his bags packed," Kyler wrote, "but I also don't think he's house shopping in Cleveland either."
ESPN's Chris Broussard painted a bleaker picture, reporting in February that "almost all of the executives" he spoke to believe Love will leave Cleveland after the season.
Boston was rumored to be in strong pursuit of Love this summer, before ultimately losing out after Minnesota traded him to Cleveland. For Boston to be a contender for Love again this summer, it depends on what's more important to him: Winning a championship now or being the star of an offense that's catered to him?
