Kevin Love has no interest in discussing a contract buyout with Cavaliers

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Kevin Love has no interest in discussing a contract buyout. Love has two-years left on his four-year, $120.4MM extension that kicked in during the 2019-20 campaign. “There have been no talks with Cleveland on a buyout, nor is there any interest from Kevin in doing a buyout,” Jeff Schwartz, Love’s agent told ESPN.

The Cavaliers have listened to trades for a period of time, but never progressed, Wojnarowski noted. A contract buyout would allow the Cavaliers to have some room to spare on the balance of Love’s contract, but the veteran doesn’t want to sacrifice any money back in that situation. His value has fallen to where the Cavs would need to part with multiple future assets to absolve his deal.

The big man played a prominent role for the Cavs during their first championship season in 2016, but was limited to 25 appearances last season because of a calf injury suffered in the preseason opener. His lingering injury also impacted his tenure with Team USA, exiting from the team just ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Since then, the 36-year-old has been linked to numerous trades and buyout possibilities, with the Brooklyn Nets most recently piling onto the radar. Last year the veteran offered up 12.2 points (only above his rookie season), 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his contests.

Love will move entirely down the depth chart in Cleveland after the Lauri Markkanen addition and the recent investments on Jarrett Allen and draft selection Evan Mobley. If Love is moved prior to the new season’s trade deadline, he can provide a veteran impact off the bench and regularly convert his three-point looks in a reduced role. His work on the glass, and clutch ability can fit well into a Brooklyn Nets or Portland Trail Blazers role.