Getty Image / Nic Antaya
The buyout market in the NBA is about to heat up.
Terrence Ross, Dewayne Dedmon, Reggie Jackson, Danny Green, and Justin Holiday have all already been picked up after buyouts, but the biggest names still haven’t been scooped up yet.
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love are expected to be bought out and Patrick Beverly and Serge Ibaka are already on the market.
Despite still waiting to get his buyout, it seems there is already a front runner to land Love.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Miami Heat have emerged as the leaders to sign Love when he becomes available.
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
There have been reports that the Cavs don’t want to let this happen.
The Cavaliers may be unwilling to let Kevin Love sign with the Heat if he is bought out, which is something they are currently discussing, per @RealGM pic.twitter.com/6EzfC41hb9
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 17, 2023
However, according to NBA CBA expert Larry Coon, there isn’t really anything the Cavs can do to stop Love from going wherever he wants after a buyout.
The CBA doesn't say anything about it (in fact, it doesn't mention buyouts at all — a buyout is a technique, not a rule). That said, it wouldn't be allowed. They can't control what the player does or doesn't do post-waiver. Or if you think about it another way, a buyout is a… https://t.co/yck48Zr1Yc
— Larry Coon (@LarryCoon) February 18, 2023
Love was benched by the Cavs almost a month ago after going through a rough shooting stretch in January. However, he could still have value for the right team.
Love remains a strong rebounder and is still a big who can stretch the floor.
He could be a solid contributor for the Miami Heat if they end up picking him up.