Kevin Love's season with the Cleveland Cavaliers is officially over after a shoulder injury will keep him out for the next four to six months. The forward was originally traded to the Cavaliers to be the final piece in their Big 3 and now the team is left trying to replace him as Love will likely undergo surgery and get healthy. The injury not only ends the season for Love, but it also bringing his future into question as several teams had the forward at the top of their free agency wish list.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the shoulder injury will have little to no impact on Love's contract decision or team's interest in him. Right now, the forward will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his dislocated shoulder after getting injured in a game against the Boston Celtics. Love is expected to make a full recovery and this setback will not defer team's from being interest in him. However, with no basketball on the horizon, Love as a lot of time to mull over what he plans to do this upcoming offseason.
Windhorst details all of the current options in front of Love. The forward can opt in to the final year of his contract with the Cavaliers and wait to sign an extension when the new tv deal comes into place. Love could opt out and sign a one-year deal or long-term contract elsewhere. He could also simply sign a long-term deal with the Cavaliers. The forward has options as several teams are hoping to get a crack at him in free agency.
According to the New York Daily News, Love is a top option for the New York Knicks if available. This is certainly nothing new as it has been reported numerous times that the Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers will be the frontrunners if Love leaves Cleveland. However, the Knicks have plenty of money to burn and if Love takes a while to make a call on his future, they will look elsewhere in free agency.
ESPN's Ian Begley is reporting that players like Greg Monroe, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rajon Rondo are the frontrunners for the Knicks in free agency. Despite having a top five draft pick, Phil Jackson wants to rebuild through free agents while getting a key defender in the draft if New York does not trade the pick. Love's injury could cause hesitation and Jackson will not waste time sitting around.