When the Cavaliers issued a press release on November 2 announcing Kevin Love‘s toe surgery, they indicated he’d miss at least the next six weeks. Addressing his injury on Tuesday during an appearance on ESPN’s The Jump, Love said his absence will almost certainly extend beyond that initial six-week timetable.
“There’s just no telling at this time with the weight-bearing injury what it is going to be like moving forward,” Love said. “But I expect to be back sometime after the new year.”
The 2-13 Cavaliers have the NBA’s worst record and have essentially waved the white flag on the 2018/19 season already, focusing more on developing young players than fighting their way back up the standings. As such, they certainly won’t rush Love back onto the court — it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the veteran’s absence extend well into the new year.
If Love is able to return at some point before the February 7 trade deadline, it’s possible he’ll emerge as a candidate to be dealt this season, since he becomes trade-eligible on January 24. However, his recovery from toe surgery and his new contract extension will cloud his value. Love’s new deal keeps him under contract through the 2022/23 season, and his average annual salary once the extension kicks in next year will be $30MM.
He’s always injured holy cow :(
Remember when Dionis said these guys would make the playoffs.
Man that ruins the Bulls’ chances at getting one of the Duke guys or Little. Once Lauri and Dunn are back, they will win won by luck every once in a while.
Maybe Phoenix or Nix will go on a run. Atlanta sure won’t.
He’s hurt again? Jesus. This guy gets hurt all the time.
He’s already missed all of November and now will miss December. Toe problems helped end Shaq’s career a lot faster, if I’m not mistaken.
Shaq’s career ended cause he is lazy! Gifted but lazy.
They should of moved Love in the offseason. Now no1 will touch that extension and he will struggle because he isn’t a #1 option on a good team