Former Cavaliers star Kevin Love returns to Eastern Conference rival

Cleveland Cavaliers Fans dream of a reunion with Kevin Love Their dreams were shattered minutes after the start of NBA free agency.

According to Shams Charania of The athletethe former Wine and Gold star signed a two-year contract with the strong heat. The deal may only be worth $8 million, but it keeps him in South Beach after spending the last season and a half there.

At 35, Love has carved out a supporting role for himself with the Heat. Last season for Miami, he averaged 8.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists while playing just under 17 minutes per night. Much like in Cleveland, Love has become a veteran leader with the Heat.

During the 2022–23 season, Love appeared to fall out of favor with then-Cavaliers head coach JB Bickerstaff. As Love dropped out of Cleveland’s main rotation, he became frustrated with his role, feeling he could still contribute to a winning team. A little over a week after the trade deadline, the Wine and Gold agreed to a contract buyout deal with Love, allowing him to become a free agent and eventually sign with the Heat.

Love was part of Miami’s magical run to the NBA Finals that summer. As a free agent, he signed a two-year contract with the franchise that included a player option for the second year. When he declined the option this weekend, he would have become a free agent again, but minutes after free agency began, he renewed his contract with Miami.

In nine seasons with the Cavaliers, Love became a franchise legend as a member of Cleveland’s “Big Three” with Love, Lebron James And Kyire Irving The team notably won the championship in 2016. Love averaged 15.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists during his time with the Cavaliers.