According to Marc Stein of ESPN, power forward Kevin Love has decided to opt out of his $16.7 million player option for next season.
Kevin Love was due to make $16.7M next season. With 2015-16 salary cap at about $67.1M, Love, by opting out, can start at $18.9M next season
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) June 24, 2015
The opt out seems to be a mere formality at this point as LeBron James and J.R. Smith are expected to do the same thing to re-negotiate more lucrative and long-term deals.
Love has stated from the beginning that he would like to remain a Cavalier next season and that narrative hasn’t seemed to change.
“It’s just the way the world works now. People talk so much and might tell themselves a lie so much they start to believe it. From there, the narrative starts to change. I haven’t changed my narrative. I’m going to keep supporting these guys, and we’ll be talking to Cleveland after the season,” said Love.
General Manager David Griffin also believes the All-Star power forward will re-sign with the Cavs.
Love averaged 16.4 rebounds and 9.7 rebounds in 75 games for the Cavs and will be an integral piece if the Cavs find themselves in the midst of another NBA Finals run next season.
