NBA Rumors: Kevin Love Could Be On Way Out Of Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers have recently sent Kevin Love to the bench, dropping him from their rotation. The next move appears to be possibly sending him out of town. 

Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love is “undoubtedly” a name to watch ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, with several rival teams expressing interest in Love’s expiring contract.

                                                                                —Sam Amico, Hoops Wire 

Several opposing GMs say there is interest in Love, who had re-invented himself as a viable bench piece for the Cavs over the last season or so. Last year, he was in the running for top Sixth Man, averaging 13.6 points in just 22 minutes off the bench in Cleveland, while shooting 39.2% from three. This season, his scoring is down to just 8.5 points, and his long-range shooting down to 35.4%, in 20 minutes per contest. 

The Cavs have removed Kevin Love from their rotation, per @ChrisFedor pic.twitter.com/TAYgYxI7OE

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 6, 2023

One rival GM wondered if Love, 34, is “finally breaking down after all those years of battling near the basket,” according to Amico.

On the downside of any potential deal for Cleveland is that they'd have to take on plenty of money in return, as Love is earning $29M on an expiring contract. 

Also, Love's extensive playoff experience, which includes winning a title in Cleveland in 2016, would be an important element to have around come the postseason for the young Cavs roster. 

We'll learn in the next three days if the Cavs are still feeling the Love.

Photo: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports