Cleveland Cavaliers Better Off Without Kevin Love?

Mar 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) smiles as he warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

While the Kevin Love contract storyline went away briefly, it’s resurfacing during the NBA Finals because there are some out there (ESPN’s Colin Cowherd, in particular) wondering if the Cleveland Cavaliers should extend Love’s deal, considering they’re closing in on a title without Kyrie Irving, and without Love.

The notion the Cavs are better without Love would simply let him walk after acquiring a budding superstar in Andrew Wiggins is asinine. The Cavs may not have invested a max deal in Love, yet, but the franchise has certainly bet on Love with its future.

Plus, how many big men who average double-doubles and can stretch the floor are just out there waiting to be signed?

The Cavs will offer Love a max deal this summer, but don’t look for him to take it.

Chris Sheridan, of Sheridan Hoops, appeared on Cowherd’s show and told the host he believes Love will return to Cleveland next season with the goal of cashing in when the salary explodes during the summer of 2016.

As has been speculated for some time, look for Love to sign a deal similar to what LeBron James signed (basically a one-year contract with a player option for a second). The salary cap will jump from $67 million, next season, to $90 million during the 2016-2017 campaign.

And for Cowherd’s question on whether the Cavs would want him back?

Again, Sheridan talked up the importance of money. Every team has to spend at least 90 percent of the cap. As Sheridan put it: The Cavs will have to spend at least $81 million to meet the CBA requirements. They’ve got to give it someone–and that’s Love.

Cowherd followed up, asking Sheridan whether Love’s commitment to Cleveland was firm. The longtime NBA writer believes Love will be a Cav NEXT SEASON, but after that, it’s anyone’s guess (22:20):

"“Well, he’s back next year and then what happens a year after that remains to be seen. Kevin wants to be a winner. Kevin doesn’t want to be a guy who puts up big gaudy numbers and makes All-Star teams. He’s done that already. He wants to win a an NBA Championship and he wants to play a big part in that. He’s got the best chance to do that in Cleveland…he doesn’t want to go to LA and be the next Kobe Bryant… and be adored. He was adored in Minnesota. He doesn’t want to go to the New York Knicks and be adored in New York, because he’s not going to have the guys around him who can beat the Cleveland Cavaliers.”"

ESPN writer Brian Windhorst made a great point when he wrote about the Cavs stumbling into an elite defense. And that’s true. Without Love and Irving, the Cavs were forced to play what they had, and that’s a pretty defensive unit.

But points still matter. You have to outscore the other team. Even with Irving back in the fold, Love’s valuable. Remember, LeBron’s not going to be a bulldozer in the post for 82 games in the regular season. He needs someone to create space. That’s Love.

Love has until June 30 to notify the Cavaliers about his plans to opt in to his contract for next season.

Next: New NBA Mock: Cavs Pick UVA's Justin Anderson

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