Kofi Inkoom
Free agent forward Kevin Love is finalizing a contract to return to the Miami Heat for two years, worth over $8 million per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
This deal comes after Love declined his player option, choosing to become an unrestricted free agent yesterday. Despite this, both Love and the Heat were eager to reach an agreement early in free agency.
Love has been a valuable addition since joining the Heat midway through the 2022/23 season after being bought out by the Cavaliers. He quickly assumed a leadership role, averaging 8.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in 76 games with Miami, including 22 starts.
He also played a significant role in Miami’s journey to the NBA Finals in 2022/23, averaging 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5% from three-point range in the playoffs.
At 35 years old, Love is a five-time NBA All-Star and was part of the Cavaliers’ championship team in 2015/16. Throughout his career spanning 929 games, with 684 starts, he holds impressive averages of 16.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.