Kevin Love’s name is making the rounds again. With the Jazz expected to buy him out (eventually), my pals at Cavs on SI floated the idea that a reunion with the Cavaliers “makes sense.”
Not really, though.
Look, I love the guys at Cavs on SI. I work with some of them on the BIGPLAY Sports Network. I don’t want to get canned. But I gotta say, I don’t love the thought of Kevin back in Cleveland.
Love, now 37, is in the twilight of his career. He hasn’t been productive in years, and when he left Cleveland in 2023, it was after a messy falling out with the front office.
That history alone should be enough to cool any talk of bringing him back.
Sure, the Cavs have two open roster spots heading into training camp on September 30. Yes, the 14th slot is often reserved for a veteran minimum type. But filling it with Love would be a waste of a roster spot.
Cleveland doesn’t need nostalgia. It needs reliability, depth, and players who can actually help this roster win. I don’t think Love fits the description anymore.
Love was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate back in 2022, but that version of him is gone. The Cavs are already the most expensive team in the NBA, deep in the tax, and there are far better ways to use that spot than handing it to a player who has given little indication he can still hold up on the court.
Fans will always remember Love’s embrace with LeBron James before lifting the 2016 trophy. That was a moment in time. But the Cavs should keep moving forward.
A reunion might make for a nice headline, but in reality, it’s not a fit and it certainly doesn’t help make them better.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
Amen and thank you.
Looked terrible his last years in Cleveland. Couldn’t jump over a piece of paper and he was getting abused inside in so many situations. Everyone skying over him for rebounds while he stands there looking up. I have no yearning for watching that again.
You nailed it… “Cleveland doesn’t need nostalgia. It needs reliability, depth, and players who can actually help this roster win.” Might want to keep that quote in a safe place, in case we need it again soon.
Players need to NOT look to the Cavs for end of career charity and improved retirement packages. I thought we held on to Kevin too long the first time.
Amen on Love Sam!
I am disappointed in the front office not addressing a vet backup big yet. I know the money available is not the most attractive but there are still a couple guys like Bryant, Bomba and Bassey who could help at the 5.