From the minute Kevin Love arrived in Cleveland, his commitment to the Cavaliers was in question. Fast forward four seasons and Love is still here, still dealing with trade rumors but despite all that, he is having the time of his life playing the game he loves.
Kevin Love’s first season a Cleveland was full of ups and downs, but he battled through.
Back in 2014 when Love was first traded to Cleveland, he had only one year left on his then-current contract. Seemingly every time Love interacted with the media he was asked about free agency.
The rumors at the time kept saying that Love was as good as gone after the 2014-15 season. It did not help either that Love and LeBron James clashed throughout the year. There was the infamous “fit in, fit out” tweet in 2015 that James admitted was directed toward Love.
Stop trying to find a way to FIT-OUT and just FIT-IN. Be apart of something special! Just my thoughts
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 8, 2015
Love just looked uncomfortable in his role with the Cavaliers in year one. It was in the first round of the 2015 playoffs when Love appeared to finally figure things out, where he was injured and missed the remainder of the playoffs. Even as the team marched on to the Finals, speculation was still there that Love would not re-sign with the team.
During an interview before the Finals that year, Love was asked about his impending free agency. Love responded with, “I expect to be suiting up by Game 1 of next year.” The reporter then asked “For the Cavs?” To which Love replied “Yes, sir.”
It was not until July 1, 2015, when Love showed everyone he was not lying. He signed a 5-year max contract worth $110 million. He even wrote an article for the Players Tribune saying there was unfinished business and he wanted to come back to Cleveland to help win a title.
Below is a part of his article he wrote for the Players Tribune, explaining his decision to everybody.
After Game 1 of the NBA Finals, that’s when it really struck me. Sitting on the sidelines, I never wanted to play in a game more than that one. I had dreamed of playing in the NBA Finals and I just wanted to help my guys win. I couldn’t have been prouder of them as they poured their blood, sweat and tears onto the court.
Yeah, of course, I’ve heard the free agency rumors. But at the end of the day, and after meeting with my teammates (it turns out pools are great meeting places) and with the front office, it was clear Cleveland was the place for me. We’re all on the same page and we’re all in. We have unfinished business and now it’s time to get back to work.
Love quickly got back to work as he looks not only to get healthy but also improve on his game and help the Cavaliers get back to the NBA Finals the following season.