The New York Knicks are ready to chase big names in free agency. The team has money to spend and a need to build around Carmelo Anthony for the future. With several players on their way out, roster spots are open and team president Phil Jackson has a lofty wishlist of people he intends to fill the holes with. Kevin Love is a top priority for New York if they can get him and recent comments by the forward lead many to believe there is trouble brewing in Cleveland.
Regardless of what Love says between now and free agency, almost everyone will assume he is going to test the open market in the offseason. Yes Cleveland gave up a lot to acquire the forward including two former first-round draft picks, but Love still has an expiring contract regardless of whatever verbal agreement the two sides landed on. Love went on the Dan Patrick Show and stressed that regardless of what happens in Cleveland this season, he "plans on being a Cavalier" in the coming years. However, tension between Love and LeBron James appears to reaching the surface which could have the forward thinking of heading elsewhere.
Love has been very vocal about his confusion over his role on the team. Chemistry has been lacking between he and the rest of the roster and many believe the forward is simply unhappy in Cleveland. Then there were the odd remarks about Love making it clear he did not believe James was the league MVP this year, something no one would argue, but the lack of support for his teammate raised red flags.
I would just say because of time spent on the court, you know Bron took those few games off and those couple of weeks off. ... They're both having MVP-type seasons, but I'm going to go with Russell Westbrook because every single night you're looking at his stat sheet, they're fighting for a playoff spot even with Serge Ibaka going down now, Kevin Durant potentially being out the rest of the year and [Westbrook] still going out there and really fighting for his team and them winning and fighting for that seventh and eighth spot in the playoffs," Love said, via the Dan Patrick Show. "I think Russ is arguably having the better season."
According to the New York Post, the Knicks will make Love a priority this offseason. A trade for Kevin Durant could also be explored. However, if all else fails, the Knicks will turn to players like Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Monroe instead.
