Kevin Love might be a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers come the start of the 2014 season, but what about 2015 and beyond? The forward still has the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and could very easily opt to head elsewhere. However, Cleveland has negotiated his long-term future, so what does that mean for role players like Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson?
According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that part of the Kevin Love trade was an agreement that he would re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers next summer. The Cavaliers gave up two No. 1 overall draft picks for Love which would be a waste if he only stuck around for the one year. However, Love plans on re-signing and the Cavaliers will offer him a max contract to the tune of five years and $120 million. This will actually help save the Cavaliers cap space and make more moves in the future.
No matter what Cleveland believes, Love's contract status is still unknown. The forward cannot legally bind himself to these terms. Ken Berger of CBSSports.com is reporting that Love might decide to opt in to the final year of his contract and become a free agent when LeBron James will be available again. James signed a two year deal with a player-option in the second year. The salary cap dictates that Love would be wise to get his pay day next summer when he can technically earn more. However, getting stuck on the Cavaliers without James is not exactly what Love had in mind for his future.
There are also questions regarding the statuses of Waiters and Thompson. The two players have had their names tossed around in trade rumors for the better part of the year but continue to survive with each move. Will that last? With max contracts signed to three players, rumor for improvement will come via trades over out-right signings. However, Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio is reporting that both Waiters and Thompson are not going anywhere anytime soon. James supports both talents on the roster and Dan Gilbert and company will keep them around for the long-term.
Waiters Is under contract through 2016 while Thompson can become a restricted free agent come the end of next season. After losing both Bennett and Wiggin, the Cavaliers do not intend to move either player in the coming future. Cleveland has managed their salary cap space enough to afford three max deals on the payroll.