NBA Free Agency: Miami Heat 5-Time All-Star Reportedly Declining Player Option
General NBA free agency is almost upon us, with everything opening tomorrow at 6 p.m. ET. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents and coming to terms with players on deals this summer. Ahead of this, the contract option deadlines have led to some interesting developments.
Miami Heat power forward/center Kevin Love has declined his $4 million player option for next season, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Wojnarowski notes that the two sides may look to renegotiate a new deal. Love has been with the Heat since joining them midway through the 2022-23 season.
The five-time All-Star, likely a future Hall of Famer, has found a home in South Beach to play out his final NBA years. Love, who won a title with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, helped lead Miami to the NBA Finals last year, although they fell short, losing in five games to the Denver Nuggets. In total, he has appeared in five NBA Finals with the Cavaliers and Heat.
ESPN Sources: Miami Heat F/C Kevin Love is declining his $4M player option, but both sides are enthusiastic about negotiating a new deal in the opening days of free agency. The five-time All-Star has played the past two seasons with the Heat. pic.twitter.com/uXU3bR8xPP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
Though not the player he once was, the 35-year-old Love still offers value to the Heat. He can assume a veteran mentor role similar to that of Udonis Haslem for the younger players. Last season, Love averaged 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 55 games, playing just 16.8 minutes per game. Despite limited minutes, he found ways to contribute, notably shooting 34.4 percent from beyond the three-point line, helping the Heat with floor spacing.
Miami values Love’s ability to provide quality minutes when called upon. Given his comfort in Miami, it’s expected that the pairing will continue, with both sides likely to work towards a new deal that benefits both parties.
If an agreement is not reached, Love would still attract interest from several teams. Potential suitors could include the Los Angeles Lakers, where he could reunite with former Cavaliers teammate LeBron James, the Dallas Mavericks, where his former Cleveland colleague Kyrie Irving just helped reach the 2024 NBA Finals, and the Milwaukee Bucks. However, it seems likely that Love will remain with the Heat to finish his NBA career.
Love has earned the right to choose what is best for himself and his family. Miami will probably negotiate a new deal that suits both sides, allowing the Heat to continue pursuing their championship aspirations with Love playing a significant role.