Miami had been considered the favorite to sign Love after reaching a buyout deal with the Cavaliers on Saturday. However, reports at the time said he had yet to make a final decision, with Wojnarowski noting that the 34-year-old still wanted to meet the Sixers. Now, following this conversation with Philadelphia, it seems that Love has made up his mind (Twitter link).
The Heat were seen as a logical landing spot for Love as they offered him the opportunity to immediately play a key role. Miami has been looking for a powerful assist for months, following PJ Tucker’s release in free agency last summer. Caleb Martin has been the de facto starter there for much of the season, but the 6’5″ wing doesn’t have the size to match a stronger, more physical four.
Love, who fell out of rotation at Cleveland last month and played his last game as a Cavalier on Jan. 24, can’t replicate what Tucker did for the Heat last season because he’s not as solid or as versatile defensively. But the five-time All-Star can bring some size, scoring and rebounding to a Miami team that ranks 26th in the NBA in offensive rating (111.1) and 27th in rebounds per game (41.4) at the All Break. -Star.
Love’s averages of 8.5 PPG and 6.8 RPG on 0.389/0.354/0.889 in 41 games (20.0 MPG) for the Cavs this season are somewhat underwhelming, but he’s recorded 13.6 PPG, 7, 2 RPGs and a .430/. 392/.838 shooting line in a similar role (22.5 MPG) in 74 appearances for Cleveland last season.
The Heat won’t have to make a corresponding roster move to sign Love, as they have two open spots on their 15-man roster after Jamaree Bouyea’s 10-day deal with the team expires. Even after signing Love, Miami will have another opening to bring Bouyea back on another 10-day contract, promote Orlando Robinson from his two-way deal, or sign someone else.
According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press (Twitter link), Cody Zeller — who recently worked for the Heat — has emerged as a strong candidate to fill that last spot on the open roster.
After being officially waived on Saturday, Love will rescind the waivers on Monday, so the Heat are able to sign him before their season resumes Friday in Milwaukee. Miami has a portion of its mid-tier exception and full semi-annual exception available to offer Love more than the veteran’s minimum, but the terms of his deal with the club are not yet clear.
Along with Miami and Philadelphia, the Suns and Lakers were among other teams suspected of having some love interest.
Sports Grp1
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
