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Golden State Warriors linked to Kevin Love after buyout confirmation

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 09: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors talks with Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after their game at Chase Center on January 09, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 09: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors talks with Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after their game at Chase Center on January 09, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Despite murmurs of a contract buyout over recent weeks, confirmation of Kevin Love’s departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers comes as a surprise following the report from The Athletics’ Shams Charania on Wednesday. With the need for a third big behind Draymond Green and Kevon Looney, the Golden State Warriors now appear like a suitable destination for the five-time All-Star.

The Golden State Warriors have been linked with Kevin Love as a host of teams prepare to show interest in the veteran big man.

After a thumb injury stalled his season, Love has found himself out of Cleveland’s rotation over recent weeks. It’s ultimately led to the buyout despite the Cavaliers sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference at 38-23.

Love played little league baseball with Warriors’ star Klay Thompson, and their childhood friendship could be a factor in the 34-year-old joining Golden State according to Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico.

"“Along with the Heat, keep an eye on the Warriors and Celtics when it comes to Love’s next destination. He is a childhood friend of Warriors star guard Klay Thompson. It would not be a surprise if Thompson tried to recruit him.”"

Kevin Love battling Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson during Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Kevin Love battling Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson during Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Love is averaging 8.5 points in 41 games this season, the first time in his career in single-digits scoring. He’s still shooting a healthy 35.4% from three-point range, but is at less than 40% from the field overall.

The 6’8″ big man finished second behind the Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season, averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds on 39.2% shooting from deep. While Love isn’t about to remedy Golden State’s defensive issues, his combination of shooting and passing would fit perfectly into the Warriors’ offense.

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Will Golden State be able to lure Love to The Bay given the number of championship-contending teams likely to be after his services? He’s made it to the postseason just four times in this his 15th season in the league, and he therefore may want more assurances than the 29-29 Warriors can currently provide.

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