Is Kevin Love leaving the Cavaliers? He hasn’t and won’t rule it out: “I have not given up on Cleveland.”
MIAMI — Kevin Love’s reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers was put on hold last month when he had a personal issue that prevented him from making his first planned trip back to the city.
However, he made up for it on Friday night when he emerged from the locker room for the traditional pregame warmup. One by one, different Cavs organization members walked to the opposite side of the court, taking a break from his workout to reunite. Love hugged old coaches and teammates, laughed and teased with them, exchanged those trademark, choreographed handshakes, and gained insight into what had happened since his hurried departure in February.
Love remarked, “A big part of me will always be there,” acknowledging that playing against Cleveland, as opposed to Minnesota, where his career began in 2008, caused him to feel more passion. “It won’t ever go from me.”
Love’s third meeting with the Cavs this season came on Friday, following a mid-season buyout that terminated his nearly nine-year stay and appeared to dash any hopes he had left to complete his career in the wine and gold.
In spite of his messy departure and the two-year contract he inked with Miami this past summer—which includes a player option for the 2024–2025 season—Love, 35, has considered giving Cleveland one final shot before hanging up his gloves.
After the Cavs defeated the Heat 111-99, Love said in an exclusive interview with cleveland.com, “I’m never ruling that out.” The interview was conducted inside the Heat locker room at Kaseya Center. “There, I have so many wonderful relationships with the people I adore.” I have not given up on Cleveland. I would absolutely consider returning and retiring there.
Love clarified that despite the fact that his gray hair, waning output, and slower pace are all telltale signs that the end is approaching, no decisions have been taken regarding his future.
“Eventually, Father Time takes its toll,” Love grinned. After sixteen years. several miles. I still have my times, though.
Friday evening included.
Love scored 14 points in 28 minutes, matching his season high. He made clutch 3-pointers that gave the Cavaliers pause during Miami’s late-game rally attempt. He made trademark full-court outlet passes to teammates who were on a roll. gulped down rebounds. ever accepted a price. It served as both a reminder that he still had it in him and a flashback to his younger years.
Love once discussed with close friends the prospect of one day becoming Cleveland’s version of Udonis Haslem, the Heat legend whose late-career role in Miami was to police the locker room, mentor the younger players, and act as a trusted veteran leader, before his playing time disappeared and his role became uncertain for the rising Cavs.
Love could contribute on the floor, but the Cavaliers and he couldn’t agree on how much. Love wasn’t prepared to just watch just yet.
He decided to ask her out, calling it “the hardest thing he ever had to do.” And his request was fulfilled by the front desk.
He now resides in Miami. He is content. He extols the virtues of the storied Heat culture, calling it a world-class establishment that respects and makes him feel welcomed. Even with his increased playing time, he continues to average 7.9 points and 6.2 rebounds in 17.5 minutes. even occasionally receiving spot starts.
Max Strus shared a locker with Love during the previous season, and the two developed a close brotherly relationship that eventually resulted in Love directing Strus toward the Cavs during his free agency. Jaime Jaquez Jr., a new protégé and fellow UCLA Bruin, is Love’s locker partner this season.
But Love continues to stay in touch with his previous team even though he is over a thousand miles away, enjoying the South Florida warmth. He has a daily group chat with several former, dear teammates. He occasionally texts me an amusing comment, an emoji, or a GIF as a means of keeping in touch when he’s far away. It’s not the same, though.
His heart is still broken and there are pieces of it in Cleveland, and that pull is strong.
Love experiences those intense emotions every time he plays against the Cavs. Imagine what he will be going through on March 20, the last regular-season trip to Cleveland, where, should Love decide to go, a heartfelt, joyous tribute film will be waiting for him. Or picture Love’s feelings if he ever donnes his No. 0 jersey for the last time.
The last chapter in Cleveland? Perhaps, after all, he will get that happy ending.
“So many special moments. So many trips to the Finals. Numerous relationships. won a title at that location. I have so many incredible emotions there that I’ve never considered a return,” Love remarked. “I feel like I have such a good I am at a loss for words. I’m happy in Cleveland, and I choose to focus on the wonderful memories. It’s an extremely unique location.
“I’m going to be a Cavalier for sure if I ever make it into the Hall of Fame. That makes perfect sense.
