The Milwaukee Bucks have a few roster spots still open on their squad after their numerous trades at the deadline. The Bucks finally pulled the trigger on trading for Jae Crowder; also traded away Jorda Nwora, Serge Ibaka, and George Hill. With the remaining roster spot(s) available the Milwaukee Bucks have been rumored to be a strong candidate for the buy out market. In the buyout market, a player gives back some portion of their guaranteed salary in order to become a free agent. Today, a five-time all-star unexpectedly became an option for NBA teams across the NBA.
Kevin Love Unexpectedly Bought Out By Cleveland Cavaliers
Per Sham Charania of The Athletic:
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Love are finalizing a contract buyout, with the Miami Heat expected to emerge as a suitor for the five-time All-Star should the sides finalize parting ways, league sources tell The Athletic.
Love has spent the last nine seasons of his 15-year NBA career with the Cavaliers, being part of Cleveland’s 2016 championship team and making consecutive All-Star teams in 2017 and 2018. Love, 34, battled through a thumb injury earlier in the season and was removed from the Cavaliers’ rotation in recent weeks, clearing the way for him and the organization to begin discussions on a potential buyout arrangement that allows him to seek a better playing opportunity.
Love was acquired by the Cavs in the summer of 2014 shortly after LeBron James returned to Cleveland. James personally called Love and recruited him to join together in Cleveland in pursuit of a championship. Love is the last remaining piece to the Cavs’ 2016 title team. He agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension in the weeks after James left for Los Angeles in 2018. He is earning $28.9 million this season in the final year of that deal.
Kevin Love is averaging 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and is shooting 35.4 percent from 3-point land this season. The Milwaukee Bucks roster currently stands at 13 players, meaning they have until March 1st to sign at least one more guy to their team per NBA rules. They could fill both spots if they so desire. Kevin Love is far past his prime, however, at 34 years old he could still provide meaningful minutes to a championship caliber team. As Shams reported, the Miami Heat are an early favorite to land the former NBA champion, however, the Milwaukee Bucks sit in a much better position to make a run for a championship. If Love wants a shot at one more ring, Milwaukee is a great destination.
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