Buyout market candidates to watch for the Chicago Bulls this summer: Kevin Love
Among the worst contracts around the NBA for the past few years is that of the Cleveland Cavaliers veteran big man Kevin Love. One of the biggest stars of the early-to-mid 2010s in the NBA, the effectiveness of Love has declined in recent years. And his max-level contract has not been worth the money, or anything close to it, for the Cavs heading into the 2020s.
The one-time NBA Champion and five-time All-Star selection Love does have a backloaded contract. But the lowest annual salary he’s due for his current contract, through the end of the 2022-23 season, is just south of $29 million. He’s also due north of $30 million on his current contract for next season.
Since Love’s production reached really a career-low this season, the value that the Cavs likely place on his contract is about as low as it gets. He wasn’t even one of the most effective players for a Cavs team that sat among the lowest in the Eastern Conference standings.
During the regular season, Love averaged just 12.2 points per game, 7.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks, in 25 games played. And he shot 40.9 percent from the field, 36.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 82.4 percent from the free-throw line.
If Love does hit the buyout market this summer from the Cavs, then he could still be a starting-caliber option for the Bulls to pursue. He would be an interesting fit with Vooch, but the defensive ability of this frontcourt would take a hit.
A fully healthy season from Love could still be very effective, and one that would make sense for the Bulls if he fits into their cap situation.