NBA Rumors: Leader Emerges In Kevin Love Chase

There are several teams that have been linked to Kevin Love, who is about to finalize his buyout from the Cleveland Cavaliers. But there seems to be a dispute among league insiders as to where he winds up. According to Shams Charania, the Miami Heat have emerged as the leading destination.

The Miami Heat have emerged as leaders to sign five-time All-Star Kevin Love after he completes buyout with Cleveland, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Interested teams believe Miami's ability to offer a defined role and playoff positioning are leading factors.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 18, 2023

"Interested teams believe Miami's ability to offer a defined role and playoff positioning are leading factors," writes Charania in citing league sources as telling him that the Heat are his likely next destination.

BUT...

ESPN's NBA Insider Brian Windhorst has repeatedly been skeptical of a Miami landing spot. He doesn't feel that the Cavs want to allow him to go to a team they could very well play in the postseason and then watch Love shoot his former team out of the playoffs. 

"Certainly Miami would be a good fit, because they need size and shooting. But I just don't know if the Cavs are going to allow that as part of the buyout. That's part of the discussions."

Windhorst then suggested some other possible suitors:

"I think the Lakers are definitely kicking the tires there but I don't know if he'd be a good fit there... 

"The team I think would be more interesting would be Phoenix... but I wonder if there's room to play him."

And so, the wheels continue to turn, and Love continues to be in the air around the NBA buyout market.

Photo: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports