3 playoff Game 1 stars the Cavaliers could sign in free agency

The Cleveland Cavaliers may go on to win their first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, or they might lose. Whatever the outcome, the long-term future of this group will depend on upgrading the role players around their core stars in order to build the best version of a contender that they can. In the Cavs’ Game 1 loss, the Knicks’ role players stepped up, while the Cavs struggled to find contributors.

Some pending free agents made a lot of noise this past weekend in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, putting together big performances to help boost their future earnings. Which players should the Cavs consider pursuing in free agency this summer? It starts with the potential return of a franchise icon.

“Game 1” Star No. 1: Kevin Love, Miami Heat

Kevin Love had a rough regular season, whether for the Cavaliers or upon joining the Miami Heat. His role on the Heat was explainable, even if he didn’t play well enough to earn it. That is, not until the playoffs began, and Love turned into a high-end caricature of himself.

Love had 18 points in 23 minutes in the Miami Heat’s upset of the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks. He went 4-for-7 from 3-point range; the Bucks’ bigs went a combined 0-for-12 from deep. Love pulled in eight rebounds and drew multiple charges. Shooting, rebounding, drawing charges – it was the Kevin Love experience to the extreme.

Kevin Love negotiated a buyout from the Cavs because J.B. Bickerstaff chose Dean Wade in the rotation over Love. That decision hasn’t worked out, and while there are reasons to believe Wade can still thrive if given the chance, right now Cleveland could really use some offense in the frontcourt coming off the bench. A reunion with Love in free agency is not out of the question.