The latest update on Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love indicates he is still weighing his options about testing free agency and hasn't ruled it out. If Love does opt out of his contract after the season, the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks are still expected to be his biggest suitors.
Love is likely done for the season, giving him extra time to figure out what he wants to do in the offseason. Most reports indicate Love isn't sold on staying in Cleveland, with ESPN's Brian Windhorst the latest to say Love is still weighing his options about free agency in July.
"Once he looks at the numbers and examines the options and discusses them with his agent, there is a chance those stated plans (of staying in Cleveland) may change and Love will terminate his contract and become a free agent," Windhorst wrote Thursday. "Though a major injury like what Love just suffered would seem to make just staying in his deal a reasonable choice, the market could dictate otherwise. Love would earn $16.7 million next season by not opting out.
"However, his maximum contract number for next season, if he were to sign a new contract, is expected to be about $19 million. There doesn't seem to be a clear reason why he'd just leave $2-plus million on the table and not give himself the flexibility that unrestricted free agency allows."
Love had a diminished role on the court with Cleveland for most of the season, but he turned in three big playoff performances before having his shoulder dislocated in Sunday's Game 4 against Boston. While Love certainly enjoys playing for a title contender, the biggest question is whether that enjoyment will outweigh his desire be a star player again on a team that has an offense more to his liking.
Offseason options for Love include giving Cleveland one more chance and playing out the final year of his deal, signing a long-term contract with Cleveland and testing free agency.
If Love goes with the latter option, there would be a huge market waiting for him. Los Angeles and New York have been continually reported as the top contenders for Love, largely because of their big-market allure and the hefty cap space they'll both have after the season.
Windhorst reported the Knicks and the Lakers, along with two other teams, aren't put off by Love's recent shoulder injury and are still expected to pursue Love if he hits free agency.
"Even with a bad shoulder, a sore back and what has been a cranky knee, there is so much cap space on the market this summer that Love will probably still be in demand," Windhorst wrote. "The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics are among the teams that could have interest in Love and all have the cap space to make him a maximum offer."
The Cavaliers will likely be over the cap next season, but they can still make Love a hefty offer because they hold his Bird rights.
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UPDATE On Kevin Love's Injury:
Cavaliers general manager David Griffin said it's "highly unlikely" Love plays again in the playoffs this season, due to his injured shoulder. Love's labrum tore away from the bone and will need a minimum of four to six weeks to heal, according to Bleacher Reports' Howard Beck. Surgery hasn't been ruled out, either.
He suffered the injury on Sunday while going for a loose ball. Celtics center Kelly Olynyk and Love got tangled up and Olynyk appeared to pull on Love's left arm, which Love later called a "bush-league play" and indicated Olynyk intentionally tried to take him out of the game.
