The Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love is currently in discussions with the team over a potential contract buyout. This comes after sources revealed that Love formally requested to be bought out on Wednesday.
The last remaining player from the Cavs’ 2016 NBA Championship-winning team, Love has spent nine seasons with the team. While he is currently in the final year of his contract with a $31.2 million salary, Love is looking to depart Cleveland after falling out of favor with the team. No longer relied upon in the Cavs’ rotation, Love has not featured in any of the team’s past 12 games.
Given that the Cavs have gone 9-3 during Love’s omission, it is unlikely that he will feature for the team again in the short term unless an injury arises. To date, Love has averaged 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 41 games this season.
While unusual for a team like the Cavaliers to release a veteran midway through the season, the long-shared history between Love and the Cavaliers makes it more likely for them to accept his request.
The Cavs currently rank fourth in the Eastern Conference, putting them on course to another playoff berth.
