Kevin Love‘s season was marred by injury and declining production, but Cavaliers GM Koby Altman says the veteran forward is still part of the team’s plans, according to an ESPN report. Love appeared in just 25 games due to a calf injury.
“We want him to be here,” Altman said. “We signed him to an extension for that reason, to be here when we want to make that next step. And so we’re going to hopefully rely on him heavily next year after a significant summer.”
There are still two years and $60.2MM remaining on Love’s extension, which would make it difficult for Altman to trade him.
We have more from the Central Division:
- The Bucks have lost a key member of their backcourt, Donte DiVincenzo, due to a torn ligament in his left ankle. The Athletic’s Eric Nehm takes a look at which players might absorb DiVincenzo’s minutes. Bryn Forbes, Pat Connaughton and P.J. Tucker could pick up the slack offensively with Forbes moving into the starting lineup. But it will be difficult to replace DiVincenzo on the defensive end. Coach Mike Budenholzer may give more playing time to Jeff Teague, though he could also opt to slice his rotation to eight players.
- Nearly half of the players on the Pistons’ roster could become free agents this summer. The Detroit News’ Rod Beard takes a look at who’s likely to stay and who will go.
- Cavaliers assistant coach Lindsay Gottlieb got a head coaching offer from USC that was too good financially for her to pass up, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com details. “I said, ʻI didn’t come to the NBA to turn right around. I’m really enjoying what I’m doing. I feel like I’m part of something,’” Gottlieb said of her initial reaction when USC came calling. “ʻHowever, I do feel I want to be a head coach again whether that’s men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, the WNBA. I understand what USC can be and it’s intriguing to me to have a conversation. I got off the phone after 25 minutes and I didn’t feel too strong either way.” The school’s hard sell convinced her to take that job.
Somebody might be thinking Hey, Kevin Love for Andrew Wiggins. Straight up. The Cavs might say no to that but as a Warriors fan I hope it does not happen also. I haven’t heard anything.. just bring it up for discussion.
The reason I would say no is because these veteran guys get hurt so much. You can’t count on them being on the floor. I’d rather have a 25-year old, even though he disappoints so often, then a 32+ who’s always hurt. The 30-plus might be a better player but can’t stay healthy.
Look at Serge Ibaka with the Clippers right now. What a great signing !! Veteran big man who can shoot, rebound, block shots etc etc. The guy gets hurt and he does no good for the team at all. They need him right now but he’s on the Shelf. Such a difficult field to maneuver with roster manipulation. Ain’t easy when you consider all the factors. Here I am crying for a veteran instead of a first round pick and then watch the veteran get hurt. We’ll see how it goes.
Ibaka likely stays healthy with raps. When you try to ride the wave of others sometimes it doesn’t pan out well…
Lol why would the Cavs say no?
The Cavs say no because everyone usually says in order for us to take Andrew Wiggins you have to attach a draft pick. This would be hypothetical straight up swap so I’m assuming the Cavs would probably say no.
“We want him to be here,” Atlman said.
I believe he was referencing Lebron, not Kevin.
My question to Cavs GM
Giving $120 million contract to Kevin Love is a right decision?
Rockets and Wolves GMs are exciting about the teams future
There is a reason to be one of the worst teams
Please use correct punctuation and sentences. Like what is your last paragraph even saying?
I am having a stroke.
Sillivan last paragraph translated… rockets and wolves sucked lately which means they get a high draft pick (or wolves had high draft pic- Edwards) so there’s optimism for the future. Sometimes you have to suck before you get better.
From now on
It will take at least 5 years to make playoffs if GMs can only tank for draft picks but they are not able to sign any free agent all star
PJ Tucker is much better suited to pick up the slack on defense for Detroit.
Any new AC who used to be a reasonably successful D1 HC is a threat to leave with a raise from an ambitious AD who thinks he’s plucking someone because they found value elsewhere.
I feel a bit jolted! I wonder if the Gottlieb experience was a positive one for CLE given winning did not happen and now a gap is left.