The Miami Heat are signing Kevin Love after the veteran forward received a buyout from the Cleveland Cavaliers, per ESPN. Love, who was a member of the Cavaliers since 2014, was the last remaining player from Cleveland’s 2016 championship season.
It was first reported on Wednesday that Love and the Cavaliers were working toward a buyout, with the Heat viewed as the early favorites to sign him. He drew interest from several playoff-contending teams — and reportedly talked to the 76ers — but The Athletic reported that Miami’s pitch to the veteran forward involved a defined role on a squad primed to compete in the playoffs.
ESPN Sources: Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers have completed a contract buyout. The Miami Heat are a frontrunner to sign Love, but he plans to talk to the Philadelphia 76ers before making a decision. pic.twitter.com/9YKux1Svj2
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 18, 2023
After clearing waivers, Kevin Love plans to sign with the Miami Heat, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/c1Ff4tLfKP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 19, 2023