Bieber Curving and Sliding to Success
July 24, 2018Lookout! Run! The Sky is Falling on the Indians: Between Innings
July 25, 2018Heading into the 2018-19 season, the question surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers was whether or not they planned to compete in the Eastern Conference or rebuild for a time when several other teams would not be ahead of them on the conference’s pecking order. We say “was” as the question was answered on Tuesday afternoon when the team agreed to a multi-year contract extension with All-Star big man Kevin Love.
ESPN reporting with @WindhorstESPN: Cavaliers forward Kevin Love has signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension — topping out his overall deal at five-years, $145 million, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 24, 2018
“When I first came to Cleveland, I came with a long-term mindset,” said Love in a press release. “I came here to win. We developed a culture here that reflects that. I’m super excited and I couldn’t be happier. It’s a big commitment for me and it’s a big commitment from the Cavaliers, so I want to thank Dan Gilbert, Koby Altman and the entire organization. I enjoy playing here, I’m excited about the team that we have and look forward to our future together. Cleveland fans have been special from day one and I’m also looking forward to continuing to be a part of this great community.”
The 6-10, 250-pound Love was the team’s first big transaction following the return of LeBron James in 2014. A member of the Cavs’ Big Three at the time, Love has now signed two contract extensions to stay with the Cavaliers, this time without James. This past season, he averaged 17.6 points and a team-high 9.3 rebounds in 28.0 minutes per game. He shot .415 from beyond the arc and a career-high .880 from the foul line. According to the team, Love was one of just four NBA players to make at least 100 three-pointers while averaging at least 9.0 rebounds in 2017-18.
According to various reports, Love’s extension includes no raise beyond the 2020-21 season, and a decrease in compensation for 2022-23. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports Love took roughly $8 million less than the full maximum contract available.
“We are very excited to announce Kevin’s long-term commitment to the Cavaliers and Cleveland,” said general manager Koby Altman in a press release. “This quickly became a partnership the second we began these discussions. Collaboration and winning matter greatly to Kevin and that was reflected in this extension,” said Altman. “Kevin’s talent and character are both at a very high level and he has earned his role at the center of what we want to do moving forward. As a five-time All-Star and NBA Champion, Kevin has a special understanding of exactly what success and winning require.”