Should the Cavaliers extend Kevin Love?

The Cleveland Cavaliers spent years trying to unload Kevin Love. Now he’s a crucial part of the team.

On the "Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective" podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested that the Cavaliers consider giving Love an extension before his $28.9 million deal expires at the end of the season. 

“Love is averaging 12 and 8 in 20 minutes a game off the bench,” Windhorst said. “I’m wondering if the Cavs should extend him.” Kirk Goldsberry added that Love was shooting 41 percent from three-point range. Windhorst elaborated, “Over and over and over, you are reminded in the NBA: Games are long. Seasons are long. Playoff series are long. Careers, in some cases, are long.”

“Kevin Love was an albatross contract a couple of years ago. The Cavs literally tried to trade him for years. Now I’m saying they should consider extending him,” Windhorst concluded.

Love was a revelation in his first year as a reserve last season, finishing second in the Sixth Man of the Year voting behind Tyler Herro. He actually increased his scoring from 2020-21, averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, while shooting 49.3 percent from the floor and 39.2 percent from deep. And Love stayed healthy, playing his most games (74) since 2015-16 and his second-most minutes since 2016-17.

This was unthinkable a few years ago, when Love was yelling at his teammates, slapping the ball inbounds and firing the ball at Cedi Osman. But it’s understandable that injuries, plus the departure of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, left Love frustrated — and the oldest guy on the team.