Love

Five-time All-Star forward Kevin Love has no interest in negotiating a buyout on the two years and $60 million left on his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, told ESPN on Saturday.

Jan 2, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) and guard Collin Sexton (2) argue a call with referee Mark Lindsay (29) late in the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

“There have been no talks with Cleveland on a buyout, nor is there any interest from Kevin in doing a buyout,” Schwartz told ESPN.

The Cavaliers have periodically explored trading Love — a scenario he supports — but have been unable to find a deal they’re willing to execute, sources said.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen, center, drives between Brooklyn Nets’ James Harden, left, and Reggie Perry, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

The arrivals of three significantly younger frontcourt players in the past year — center Jarrett Allen, No. 3 pick Evan Mobley and forward Lauri Markkanen from the Bulls — could impact Love’s minutes with the Cavaliers.

MILWAUKEE, WI – JANUARY 20: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a free throw during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 20, 2020 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).

Injuries have continued to plague Love’s productivity in recent seasons. Struggling with a calf injury a year ago, Love, 32, averaged 12.2 points and 7.4 rebounds in a career-low 24.9 minutes.

A contract buyout would allow the Cavaliers to save some money on the balance of Love’s contract and would allow him the freedom to sign elsewhere as a free agent.

Courtesy: ESPN

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