Kevin Love, Cavaliers finalizing contract buyout; Heat interested

According to Shams Charania and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic,the Cleveland Cavaliers and KevinLove are finalizing the details on a contract buyout that wouldallow the veteran big man to hit the open market.

The Miami Heat are reportedly an interested suitor for Love, asthe team has an open roster spot and is scouring the market for afrontcourt player.

Love has not appeared in 12 straight games for the Cavs, and hasregistered nine consecutive DNP-CDs since being removed from therotation. Per The Athletic, he is seeking a better playingopportunity.

Love has battled an ailing thumb since late November, which hasaffected his shooting. (He has converted on just 31.1% of histhree-point attempts since December.) On the season, Love isaveraging 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game on.389/.354/.889 shooting splits.

If Love is officially bought out, it will end hisnine-and-a-half-season stint with the Cavaliers. He will havefinished his time in Cleveland producing 15.7 points and 9.6rebounds per contest as a 37.6% shooter from distance, with plentyof franchise accolades and a 2016 NBA championship ring to show forit.