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Report: Cavs want to keep Love if LeBron leaves

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Even if LeBron James decides to leave, don't expect the Cleveland Cavaliers to rebuild this summer.

The Cavaliers reportedly intend to keep Kevin Love in hopes of making a playoff push without James, sources tell Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon.

Though the team's repeatedly discussed trading him, Love could be off the table if the Cavaliers view the All-Star power forward as a key piece. He was considered one of the best big men in the NBA while a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 23.5 points and 13.7 boards as a top option from 2010-14.

Love has two years and $50 million remaining on the five-year deal he signed in July 2015. The contract includes a player option worth $25.6 million for 2018-19.

He averaged 17.6 points and 9.3 rebounds last season and has been an integral second or third option for the Cavaliers during their four-year reign as Eastern Conference champions - including helping the franchise win its only NBA championship in 2016.

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