NBA Notes: Cavs, Kevin Love, Kings, Zach LaVine, Nets

Cavaliers

A Kevin Love reunion with the Cavaliers is an idea that just won’t seem to go away.

Writing for Cavs on SI, John Hobbs suggested the veteran forward remains a logical fit for Cleveland’s bench, citing his outside shooting, rebounding and championship experience.

On paper, it’s easy to see why. Love, 37, averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 37 percent from three-point range with the Jazz last season.

He remains one of the most beloved players from the Cavs’ 2016 championship team and has successfully transitioned into a complementary role later in his career.

The reality, though, is that a reunion still feels like a long shot.

For starters, the Cavs appear focused almost entirely on LeBron James‘ free agency decision before making even the smallest of moves. Even after that domino falls, Cleveland would likely prioritize adding a wing or perimeter defender over another veteran big man.

That said, if the roster eventually has room for one more experienced locker room presence, Love’s history with the organization and familiarity with the core certainly wouldn’t hurt his chances.

Kings

Zach LaVine‘s decision to pick up his $49 million player option wasn’t exactly celebrated in Sacramento.

Still, Logan Struck of Kings on SI argued it may not be nearly as damaging as some fans believe.

LaVine is entering the final season of his contract, giving the Kings another opportunity to explore a trade before February’s deadline or simply let the deal expire next summer to create significant cap flexibility.

Struck also noted that with DeMar DeRozan no longer in the picture, LaVine could return to being the focal point of Sacramento’s offense, potentially boosting both his production and trade value.

Nets

The Nets have another important decision waiting on the horizon, though there may not be any reason to make it now.

According to Ivan White of Nets on SI, Brooklyn would be wise to let Michael Porter Jr. play out the final season of his contract before deciding whether he’s worth a long-term investment.

Porter enjoyed a strong first season with the Nets, but the roster around him has changed with Julius Randle now aboard and expectations beginning to rise.

Rather than committing big money today, Brooklyn may prefer to see how Porter fits into its evolving core over the course of the season.

It carries some risk, as Porter could leave in free agency next summer, but it also protects the Nets from making an expensive decision before they have all the answers.