King James Gospel
Fansided

Kevin Love’s extension could make Cavs the loyal franchise

By Doug Patrick

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Kevin Love
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Kevin Love /
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 23: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 23: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Time will tell

Right now, it’s easy to assert that Cleveland extended Love out of loyalty. We haven’t seen the next year, let alone the next five.

This whole thing may turn into a quasi-Blake Griffin situation.

After Griffin’s extravagant extension in summer 2017, he seemed destined to remain a Clipper for the next five years. Then Los Angeles traded him at the deadline.

Love’s signing didn’t even involve hoisting his jersey to the rafters or comparing him to the iconic Martin Luther King Jr…

There’s a chance that something similar happens between Love and the Cavs.
For example, if he gets hurt or the team is far from their preseason expectations,Love could be traded to a desperate team for interesting pieces and parts.

Next. Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 30 all-time greatest players. dark

The Cavalier reputation

Regardless of how you feel about the deal, Cleveland is perched in a curious position. They may soon be recognized for their professionalism, trustworthiness, and loyalty.

Love’s extension could ultimately mean nothing in the end. But maybe it instills an organizational intangible that will become Cleveland’s advantage in recruiting free agents, especially if NBA teams continue angering their best players.