Kevin Love Now A Free Agent? NBA News & Rumors Here!

As if on cue, Kevin Love has opted out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers to return to free agency.

ESPN sources say Cavs forward Kevin Love has opted out of the final year of his contract and will be a free agent July 1

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 24, 2015

Had he opted in, Love would have been guaranteed $16.7 million for the coming season. Does he want more than that? Is he looking for a long-term deal? Despite the move, the Cavs plan to pursue Love in free agency though other teams will now have the chance to court Love. The list includes the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and reportedly even the Portland Trailblazers. Love had an erratic season with the Cavaliers, drawing criticism for his inconsistency. Among the detractors include Lebron James as well. James and Love are not exactly the closest on the team and their combo is seen more of as a professional pairing.

LeBron James won't be re-recruiting Kevin Love, I'm told. He believes Love understands he can be a part of something special. It's his call. — Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 24, 2015

With the Cavs, Love made his first playoff appearance after six previous seasons. It was however cut short when he injured his shoulder in the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Cavs and the Boston Celtics. Love dislocated his shoulder when Kelly Olynk pulled down his left arm which eventually yanked it out of the socket.

The move may be surprising to most considering Love said that he wanted to return and win. Love answer those questions during game 1 of the NBA Finals (June 5, 2015).

All that has now changed, depending on how one analyzes the move of Love. Some say he may have had enough of the criticism or maybe he is looking for money. Some even say that Love leaving is proof that he has found it hard to co-exist with Lebron James and maybe Kyrie Irving.

During his days in Minnesota, Love was the top dog. He was the go-to-guy and a lot of responsibilities rested on his shoulders. With the Cavs he is now playing second fiddle. But what made it worse was the fact that he was hearing it from the fans and teammates, saying that he had become inconsistent.

Could these have been too much for Love? Does he plan to check the culture of other ballclubs such as the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers?

It may be too early to throw any harsh remarks on Love since the move is expected. James also has the chance to opt out of his contract and such moves are seen as a move to seek longer and secure deals. Could this be the reason for Love’s decision?

Expect a wild NBA Free Agent period this coming July.