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ESPN report: Kevin Love plans to sign with Miami Heat after Cavs release

Stephen Samraby: Steve Samra02/19/23SamraSource
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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Kevin Love officially has a new home.

The former UCLA star agreed to a contract buyout with the Cavaliers on Saturday, and he’s following in LeBron James’ footsteps from earlier in his career, taking his talents from Cleveland to South Beach to join the Miami Heat, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

“After clearing waivers, Kevin Love plans to sign with the Miami Heat, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN,” tweeted Wojnarowski.

Originally, Wojnarowski reported Love would speak with the Philadelphia 76ers in addition to the Heat, but it looks like Miami won his heart.

Many believed Kevin Love was done as an impact player in the NBA, but the Miami Heat aren’t one of them. They’ll hope the former Bruins star can provide them with some serious production moving forward.

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Moreover, Love started his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he was the face of the franchise for over half a decade. Then, he was traded to the Cavaliers in a blockbuster deal, helping the franchise win the first title for Cleveland in the lifetime of many of their sports fans. 

Over his nine seasons with the Cavaliers, Love averaged 15.7 points per game. Of course, he’s not the same player he was at the beginning of his contract, but he can still provide a team with valuable leadership and some scoring off the bench. 

At the moment, the Cavaliers are in fourth in a crowded Eastern Conference, while the Heat are in seventh and the 76ers remain in third. It’s a risky move considering Love could assist the team in defeating the Cavaliers, but it was one Cleveland is willing to make.

Nevertheless, Kevin Love will always be revered in Cleveland, and will likely never have to buy a drink in town again. He deserves his flowers for helping bring the Cavaliers a ring and not fleeing when times got tough, he’s earned at least that much respect.