NBA Rumors: Cavaliers Could Steer Kevin Love To Western Conference

As the Cleveland Cavaliers finalize their buyout agreement with Kevin Love, ESPN's NBA Insider Brian Windhorst claims that the team could hold a little something over him, trying to steer him out of the Eastern Conference for a landing spot.

The Cavs could try to steer Kevin Love to the Western Conference during buyout negotiations, per @WindhorstESPN

(h/t @AmicoHoops ) pic.twitter.com/Bb07mRUTfJ

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 17, 2023

"I think Miami is very interested in him, they need size and shooting," said Windhorst on ESPN's PTI. "But if you're the Cavs, you might play the Heat in the first round! How can you cut Kevin Love and pay him to play against you? 

"So what's a little bit interesting here: Will the Cavs negotiate any kind of parameters and make Love go West when he eventually finds a new team?"

But according to Yossi Gozlan of HoopsHype, it seems like the Heat are the one playoff contender that could actually offer Love a significant role and playing time.

“Nearly every team with playoff aspirations will be after (Love) but he will likely prioritize playing time after being taken out of Cleveland’s rotation,” writes Gozlan. “That could eliminate teams like the Celtics, Sixers, Lakers, Nuggets, Suns, Warriors, and Clippers.

“Miami is reportedly a frontrunner for Love and may have the clearest path to consistent playing time for him with their lack of frontcourt depth."

A lot of interesting machinations going on here behind the scenes.

Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports