NBA star Kevin Love is set to join Miami Heat after spending nine years with the Cleveland Cavaliers following his release from the team.
Love joined the Cavaliers alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in 2014 and won an NBA championship two years later when they defeated the Golden State Warriors in the midst of their dynasty era. He would play a huge role in that team, averaging 16 points and 10 assists and being a reliable shooter for James and Irving to count on.
Love would be the only one to remain with the team after 2018, after Irving left the year prior to join the Boston Cetics before James joined the Los Angeles Lakers, joining forces with Anthony Davis.
Love has not been playing recently for the Cavaliers, who now have a young roster as they look to give a number of players minutes over the experienced power forward, including the impressing Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
In and with no trade being found, the Cavaliers agreed to buyout Love's contract, and he will see his number 0 jersey retired with the team.
LeBron James edges closer to NBA scoring record with jaw-dropping Lakers displayAfter being bought out, Love will be free to sign with a contender as a free agent, and could have reunited with James with the Lakers.
The Lakers and James are in dire need of help, looking at the free agency market to bring in players after the trade window has closed.
But Love will instead sign with the Miami Heat, alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in a weakened eastern conference division.
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant both left the Brooklyn Nets to join the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns in the western conference last week, with only a few teams from the east looking likely to compete for the title in the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat.