Could the Cleveland Cavaliers extension of Kevin Love make them the “loyal” franchise?
As reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Cleveland Cavaliers’ forward Kevin Love has signed a four-year extension worth $120 million. In an NBA where players have begun questioning if loyalty exists between them and their teams, the Cavs’ commitment to Love speaks volumes.
Just learn from my story! Loyalty is just a word in this game SMH
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 18, 2018
This extension could be the first step in branding Cleveland as a franchise where loyalty is real.
Kevin Love and Cleveland
Since before LeBron James left, both the Cavs and Love spoke about wanting to stay together.
When Love was asked if he thought the Cavs would trade him this offseason, he told WKYC, “Anything is possible. People have been saying that for the past four years. I knew that question would come, but I like to be here. I’ve always said that. Always wanted to win here.”
Around the same time, ESPN reported that the Cavs had no interest in shopping their All-Star. Essentially, they told Love there was no trade to worry about.
Ultimately, the front office put their money where their mouth is. They inked a new contract with Love at the Quicken Loans Arena in front of people working on The Q Transformation Project, ushering him as the new leader of the franchise.
The whole process was straightforward, honest and professional. In light of the recent events like those in Boston and Toronto, Cleveland’s wholesome story makes the city seem almost utopian.
Teams league-wide have been increasingly criticized for their all-business approach, favoring roster construction over player management.