Despite reports earlier Wednesday that he was going to meet with the Los Angeles Lakers and possibly the Boston Celtics, Kevin Love is going to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Like LeBron James did last summer when he returned to Cleveland after four years in Miami, Love wrote in The Players Tribune that he has “unfinished business” in Cleveland.
“I’m going back to Cleveland.
After Game 1 of the NBA Finals, that’s when it really struck me. Sitting on the sidelines, I never wanted to play in a game more than that one. I had dreamed of playing in the NBA Finals and I just wanted to help my guys win. I couldn’t have been prouder of them as they poured their blood, sweat and tears onto the court.
Yeah, of course I’ve heard the free agency rumors. But at the end of the day, and after meeting with my teammates (it turns out pools are great meeting places) and with the front office, it was clear Cleveland was the place for me. We’re all on the same page and we’re all in. We have unfinished business and now it’s time to get back to work.”
ESPN’s Chris Broussard said Love’s reps were going to meet with the Lakers and Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Celtics wanted to meet with Love, too.
Sources: Lakers have spoken with reps for Kevin Love & a meeting this week is planned.
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 1, 2015
The Boston Celtics are still awaiting word on whether they'll get a meeting with Cleveland free agent Kevin Love, league source tells Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2015
Love opted out of the final year of his contract with the Cavs, but Love maintained that he was committed to Cleveland, according to Pro Basketball Talk.
After averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds per game during his first six years in the league with Minnesota, including a 2013-14 season when he averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists, Love’s numbers dissipated to 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in his first season with the Cavs.
