With LeBron James out of Cleveland, many fans around the NBA expected for the Cavaliers to tank out of the playoffs and possibly trade away Kevin Love. Instead, the front office has inked Love to an extension of four years at $120 million, making his full contract worth five years at $145 million.
ESPN reports Love was “very excited and obviously humbled” to reach the terms for the extension, which he turned down the last year of his current contract to make happen. This upcoming season Love will collect $24.1 million before receiving a bump that reaches as high as $31.3 million in the 2020-21 season.
The full max of the contract would have been an extra $8 million, however, Love worked with the front office of the team to assist future salary cap room.
“I’d like to thank the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, [owner] Dan Gilbert and Koby Altman for having their trust in me and believing in our future,” Love said after signing. “When I got traded here a few years back, I was committed to being here long term and I was committed to our culture, excellence in playing the game of basketball. And I think who we have on our team and who we have moving forward really reflects that.”
Currently, the Cavs as constructed look much like last year’s team, sans LeBron James. They have also added rookie Colin Sexton to the roster.
