Kevin Love is trying to set the record straight, but no one is listening. The Cleveland Cavaliers forward continues to stress his commitment to the franchise, but as long as he continues to have an expiring contract to his name, everyone will assume he is ready to bolt at a moment's notice. While the New York Knicks are one of the many teams hoping Love ends up on the free agent market this offseason, the forward is denying the idea will happen.
Love went on the Dan Patrick Show to discuss all things NBA and the upcoming free agency frenzy and once again stressed he is planning on staying with the Cavaliers. When asked whether or not an NBA title would factor into where he plays next season Love simply said, "I plan on being a Cavalier either way." Is that enough to stop the talk of leaving in the offseason? No, but it certainly is enough to have teams searching for backup plans.
The Knicks have Love as a priority just like many other teams do, but the Cavaliers will do everything possible to make sure he does not bolt in the offseason. After giving up two former first-round draft picks to acquire Love, losing him would be a major blow to the franchise. Cleveland will aim to r-sign him as the Knicks aim to find someone else to fill the spot.
Marc Gasol certainly would not mind if he was a priority for the Knicks. Currently playing on an expiring contract, Gasol made it clear that he has not ruled out playing for the Knicks and would be very willing to listen to offers come free agency time.
I haven't ruled anything out because I haven't thought about anything so it would be [premature]," Gasol said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "The reports and stuff like that, I don't know where they come from because in my mind I haven't thought about it. I have no [idea] how they can go there. I don't know. We're in the final stretch of the regular season and we want to get in a good feeling for the playoffs so, trust me, I'm not worrying or thinking about those things yet. I know what [the Knicks] are trying to accomplish as a team, but like I said we're trying to accomplish the same thing in Memphis and we're trying to get to have a chance to go for a ring."
Outside of Gasol, players like Greg Monroe and LaMarcus Aldridge could be viable options for New York. Rajon Rondo could also be an option, but like Love he is thought of as an extreme longshot given the Dallas Mavericks will try and win him over with money.
