Kevin Love was bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday and already has many teams vying for his attention, but the Miami Heat have reportedly emerged as the top contender.
Per The Athletic, Kevin Love was nearing a buyout with the Cavs on Wednesday, whom he has been with for the last nine years. He is the last piece of the Big 3 including LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to leave Cleveland after the franchise’s NBA title in 2016.
The Heat have been eager to pounce for the veteran forward, but Love will also talk with the Philadelphia 76ers, per ESPN. However, The Athletic reported the Heat’s offer of a “defined role” and team’s “playoff positioning” place them as the favorites.
Kevin Love is looking for a new team to join after a contract buyout with the Cavaliers. NBAE via Getty Images
Kevin Love with his wife at a wedding in August of 2022. Instagram/@kevinloveFor the hot-and-cold Heat, who sit at seventh place in the Eastern Conference, the 34-year-old Love offers a veteran presence along with solid passing ability and shooting from deep.
Love suffered a thumb injury early on in the season. He averaged 8.5 points in 20 minutes per game.
