GM David Griffin: Cavaliers will prioritize re-signing Kevin Love
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Re-signing Kevin Love is the number one item on Cleveland's to-do list this summer.
In speaking to the media following Thursday's draft, Cavaliers general manager David Griffin put Love front and center on his offseason agenda:
CLE are prioritizing http://t.co/XqX8buVCCi come July 1. D.Griffin:"We’re very much intending to pursue him the instant that we’re able to"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 26, 2015
The Cavaliers have a number of free agents to tend to this summer. LeBron James tops the list, but he's a lock to re-sign. Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith, Matthew Dellavedova, and Iman Shumpert are also free agents along with Love.
Love opted out of his 2015-16 player option Wednesday and will reportedly test free agency. Love insists he wants to re-sign, but the star forward will still be pursued by a number of suitors, including the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets.
In his first season with Cleveland, Love averaged 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 33.8 minutes. Those figures were down from a season ago, but the Cavaliers were still 7.8 points improved per 100 possessions with Love on the court. He provided floor-stretch and strong playmaking out of the post for a dynamic attack in Cleveland and will likely command a max contract.
Reuniting the band is a logical move for the Cavaliers, who made the NBA Finals and took two wins from the Golden State Warriors without Kyrie Irving or Love. A cleaner bill of health and another season to build chemistry could very well push Cleveland over the top.