With the NBA Finals over and done with, the Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to move on and try again next year. Before looking that far, who will still be around to suit for the Cavs in the 2015-16 NBA Season?
Last time out, we did share some insights on what to expect from the upcoming free agents. Six players could end up as free agents by July 1, led no less by Lebron James and Kevin Love, who can both opt out of their contracts.
There could be a chance that both would opt out of their contracts but not necessarily to leave the Cavs but to pursue a higher pay which would mean longer deals.
Lebron James, should he opt out, is expected to get a max contract if he does wish to get one with the Cavs but the scenario doesn’t seem to be the same for Kevin Love.
The reason here is no because he was unable to help the Cavs in the recently concluded finals but how he fits in the club overall.
Love did make a good account of himself despite being overshadowed by James and Kyrie Irving at times. Still, the performance seemed to draw criticism as Love struggled to blend in with James and Irving thus raising questions if he would be staying in Cleveland for long.
During the NBA Finals, Love did say that he plans to suit up for the team next year despite the fact that there are several teams aggressively seeking to get him. Among the teams include the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, two ballclubs known for their winning tradition.
So if Love does opt out of his contract, which many believe will happen, what will he be looking for? A max contract? A short term deal similar to what Jimmy Butler is considering? Or a new team to play where he can maximize his talent?
Among those given, it seems more likely he will want a secure and financially rewarding contract as well as a chance to win an NBA title.
Though he may not be as explosive as before, the fact remains that it is not a need. James and Irving are there and he just has to fit into a system the way Chris Bosh did when James was still in Miami.
Love could also be waiting what James has in mind. There is no word yet on what Lebron’s plans are but chances are he would return. Opting in or out of the contract is to be expected but until James is able to reward his hometown with an NBA trophy, it seems almost imminent he will stay in Cleveland.
Hence, if James stays, Love will most likely stay as well unless the Cavs low-ball him as far as his salary is concerned.
The fact remains, both came to Cleveland hoping to win an NBA title. That hasn’t been achieved and both players have been known to be resilient and give it all until they get the job done.
Opting out is one thing, but leaving a team is another so expect Love to be back donning the Cavs uniform.