Cleveland Sports Forum

so here is Plain Dealer story I was looking for

Cavs have no plans for Kevin Love contract buyout despite reduced role

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Thursday’s NBA trade deadline passed without a move from the Cavs, leaving veteran Kevin Love with a spot on the roster -- albeit an uncertain one.

Love was recently removed from the rotation and his future playing time situation remains unclear. But Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said Thursday he has not had any discussions with Love or his agent about a contract buyout.
“I have not been approached by them at all and I don’t anticipate it either,” Altman said.
ove -- the 34-year-old five-time All-Star who is in the final year of a four-year, $120 million contract that he signed in 2018, shortly after LeBron James left for Los Angeles -- was once the face of a rebuild and has been a constant of this post-LeBron era.

Until the last few weeks.

Despite being healthy and active, Love hasn’t played in five straight games and no longer has a consistent spot in Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s tight eight- or nine-man rotation. Bickerstaff and the Cavs wanted to make room for Dean Wade, who recently returned from a seven-week injury absence. It left Love as the odd man out.

“It’s not easy for Kevin,” Altman admitted. “I’ve had conversation with him, and he wants to play. I think he’ll have an opportunity to play again this year, but where we’re at now, I think J.B.’s really comfortable with the rotation that we have.”

Love collecting DNPs raised questions about whether the Cavs would move him at the deadline, something they explored, or even negotiate terms of a buyout if a deal didn’t materialize, allowing him to weigh his other options and possibly get more playing time elsewhere.

“Not one time since I’ve been here have they approached me about that,” Altman said in response to the buyout inquiries. “I think we’re asking Kevin to make another sacrifice this year to do what he’s doing right now, which is be a great teammate, stay positive every day, stay ready and work on your body, work on your shot, work on everything to be ready for when that opportunity comes next.”

Cleveland aggressively pursued several trades leading up to the deadline. Some involved Love. Others with Caris LeVert, Cedi Osman, Dylan Windler and a treasure trove of second-round picks. But ultimately, the front office opted to stand pat and keep the team with the Eastern Conference’s fourth-best record intact.

“We just didn’t feel like anything was going to really move the needle for us,” Altman said. “We could have made a move that was lateral, multiple moves that were lateral that I didn’t think appreciably made us better.”

So, Love remains in Cleveland and awaits another opportunity to play again -- if it ever comes.

Love has struggled since fracturing his right thumb in November. He’s averaging a career-low 8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from the field and 35.4% from 3-point range.
Even though he is in the twilight of his career, the Cavs still value his veteran presence, leadership and experience. Bickerstaff and teammates have repeatedly praised Love for his selfless attitude and sacrifice -- two characteristics at the core of their remade culture. To this point, Love has not publicly expressed any frustration with his reduced role. He continues to support teammates on the bench and celebrate their success.

Earlier this season, he spoke about how special this team can be and how much he enjoys being part of the organization’s turnaround. Sources say, there has even been mutual interest in Love staying with the organization beyond this season -- on much more favorable contract terms.

which doesn't really answer my question. Do they consider him too good for garbage time? Does he decline playing in garbage time? There's been lots of that available during the winning streak with hefty margins in all 5 games. Doesn't some time on the court keep him ready for the next time he's called on in?

Have not seen any speculation. Best case scenario is that they want to see the other players get more time and want to keep his legs fresh. Of course he could just be done. Love might have suggested this himself.

I do tend to watch him on the bench shots and he is definitely cheering and involved. Sulking = NOT

I will say Dean Wade (since he has come back) is a really good bench option with a game not that different than Love.

How the Cavs have demonstrated mental toughness through their six-game winning streak


CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Darius Garland #10 during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 11, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulls 97-89. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
By Kelsey Russo
3h ago



CLEVELAND – The Cavaliers landed back in Cleveland around 4 a.m. ET Saturday after flying from New Orleans.

They also were not able to go through their walk-through because the AHL Cleveland Monsters had a 1 p.m. game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cavs wrapped up five games in seven days, which consisted of two sets of back-to-backs and three road games.

Through it all, the Cavs came out stronger.

They extended their winning streak to six games with a 97-89 win over the Chicago Bulls Saturday night. They also won three road games — which have been a struggle for the Cavs this season as they are now 13-16 on the road — during this stretch. In a game that could have been viewed as a scheduled loss, the Cavs did not succumb to that mindset.

To coach J.B. Bickerstaff, their mental toughness stood out the last five games in seven days.

“There was so many reasons why we couldn’t get the job done and we never let that set in as an excuse and a cop-out,” Bickerstaff said. “Things weren’t going our way in the first half, but we never once fragmented or separated. All we did was try to figure out a way to get it done.

“I’m extremely proud of these guys. Like, you talk about growth, you talk about perseverance. You talk about just a character and a personality; it’s hard to not root for these guys and want to be around them and be a part of what they’re doing because they’re just so good to each other and good for one another. It’s a special thing that got brewing in that locker room.”

The Cavs struggled on both ends of the floor throughout the first half against the Bulls. They were not making shots and not getting back on defense or playing aggressively on the defensive end. However, coming out of halftime, they made adjustments and held the Bulls to 40 points in the second half.

That, to Donovan Mitchell, spoke to the Cavs’ will to win throughout the week of games. As a team, they found different ways to win and showcased what they were capable of as a group.

Cleveland has had a handful of gritty wins this season. However, with the circumstances of the schedule this past week, Saturday’s win is in the argument for the grittiest of the season. There was a noticeable determination in the second half to grind out a win.

Heading into the matchup against the Bulls, Bickerstaff acknowledged the similarities between New Orleans and Chicago, which proved beneficial for Cleveland on the second night of the back-to-back, which doesn’t allow much time to prepare for the next opponent. Those similarities came in Brandon Ingram and DeMar DeRozan, both of whom are big wings who favor the midrange. There are similarities in how they can play against Zach LaVine and CJ McCollum — both players are right-handed and like to get to their left. Even similarities they noticed between Nikola Vučević and Jonas Valančiūnas that they saw on their scouting reports and when they watched games.

They found ways to use that to their advantage Saturday night.

“Sending CJ McCollum to his right hand,” Mitchell said. “I can say this now ’cause we’re not playing both teams. Sending CJ McCollum to his right, send Zach to his right hand the way they guard the pick roll, having the low man come all the way over to see that. Back-to-back nights, it’s fresh on your mind, and it’s right there. I think those are the two biggest things that carried over.”

Jarrett Allen also noticed how being unselfish with the ball translated both Friday night against the Pelicans and again against the Bulls.

“Having to hit the cutter, making sure that you’re looking for the cutter,” Allen said. “They bring guys over to help the roll, and that leaves guys like Isaac (Okoro), Cedi (Osman) in the corner so that they can either shoot the ball and drive. It’s good having similar teams and back-to-backs like this because you don’t have to think too much. I shouldn’t say that, but it does help mentally and your mental preparation for the game.”

This season has been filled with a number of learning opportunities and experiences. It’s been an overarching theme of learning how to handle certain circumstances, whether in losses or wins, as a young team continuing to grow together. They’ve seen their fair share of struggles, like a tough month in January where the Cavs finished 8-8. But this past week — and even going back to the loss to Miami on Jan. 31 — saw the understanding from those lessons come to fruition.

To Allen, the key to their current six-game win streak has been consistency. Whether that consistency comes in making the extra pass, extra rotation or just talking on each play, Allen has noticed how they’ve found ways to raise their game as a group.

In recent weeks, the Cavs have spoken about the importance of finishing this stretch of games heading into the All-Star break strong. They have just two games left before the break, and they’ve stuck to their word, especially this last week. The Cavs’ recent play also has moved them into fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 37-22 record, sitting just behind the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.

The Cavs are continuing to hit their stride. They are playing with a level of necessary intensity and implementing what they have learned through different situations throughout the season. They also are building on their consistency as a group, with a now healthy rotation and the trade deadline behind them, and can build on their success into the latter portion of the season.

“As we get closer to April, and it’s things like this that we’re going to look back on and say that we can get through the moment, we can fight through the adversity and take a leap forward,” Allen said.

@kelseyyrusso

A league source confirmed to

@TheAthletic

that Danny Green is nearing an agreement with #Cavs.
1:36 PM · Feb 12, 2023
·
5,076
Views

Danny Green hit 7 three point shots in a playoff game last season against Miami for Philadelphia.

Green:

The 14-year vet won titles with the Spurs, Lakers and Raptors, playing a key role for all three teams as a three-and-D wing. His best days are behind him, but he's surely still got something left in the tank, and his presence in the locker room will be highly valuable for a young and hungry Cavs team that's looking to compete for a title.

Green was also one of the leaders of the UNC team that won the national championship.

Agent: Veteran swingman Danny Green, Cavaliers reach deal
3:03 PM ET
Adrian Wojnarowski
Senior NBA Insider


After finalizing a contract buyout, three-time championship guard Danny Green has agreed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a $2 million contract for the rest of the season, agent/attorney Raymond Brothers of Roc Nation Sports told ESPN on Sunday.

Green landed with the Houston Rockets in a deadline day deal on Thursday and will join the Cavaliers after clearing waivers early this week.



Cleveland president of basketball operations Koby Altman and coach JB Bickerstaff sold Green on the opportunity that exists to bolster the Cavs' bench as a 3-point shooter and defender. He also will deliver his respected leadership to a gifted young roster trying to make a return and run in the Eastern Conference playoffs.


The Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Suns also pursued Green, sources said.

Green, 35, brings championships with the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Lakers to Cleveland -- and 165 playoff games in his career. Green played three games for the Memphis Grizzlies after spending eight-plus months rehabilitating a torn ACL. He suffered the knee injury in the Eastern Conference semifinals for the Philadelphia 76ers, who eventually traded him to the Grizzlies.

Memphis moved Green to Houston on Thursday as part of a larger deal with the LA Clippers that landed the Grizzles guard Luke Kennard.

Green has averaged 8.7 points and 3.4 rebounds over 14 seasons.

it's ancient history by now, but too bad the Cavs didn't hang on to Green, at least for awhile, when they first had him. He's had a nice career.

What Danny Green’s addition to the Cavs’ roster would mean for Cleveland

Feb 1, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Danny Green (14) catches a pass as Portland Trail Blazers forward Nassir Little (10) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
By Kelsey Russo
Feb 14, 2023



CLEVELAND — While the Cleveland Cavaliers stood pat at the NBA trade deadline last week, they kept their eyes on the buyout market.

As president of basketball operations Koby Altman stood at the podium for his news conference following the trade deadline last Thursday, he said the Cavs would consider looking at the buyout market depending on who became available. Fit would play an essential role in any decision, as the Cavs have one roster spot open.

“I promise you character is really, really important for us,” Altman said. “That locker room is — it’s incredible. And I don’t know other locker rooms, I’m not in other locker rooms, but I know what we have going on is a rare thing where guys love playing for each other; it’s genuine. There’s relationships there; they care about each other. If there’s a person there that can add to that, we’ll do it. If not, if it’s a toss, if it’s a jump ball, we’re good.”

As The Athletic reported Sunday, Danny Green will sign a one-year, $2 million deal with the Cavs after he clears waivers. Green — who was spotted at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday night when the Cavs faced the Spurs — will clear waivers Tuesday, creating the possibility he could dress Wednesday when the Cavs close the first half of the season before the All-Star break at Philadelphia.

The 35-year-old averaged 5.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game with the 76ers last season but then tore his ACL in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in May and missed the remainder of the 76ers’ postseason run. Green was then traded to the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2022 NBA Draft in exchange for De’Anthony Melton. Green is coming back from that ACL injury and has played three games this season with the Grizzlies. In those three games, he averaged 14.5 minutes per game and three points per game.

Then on Feb. 9, before the trade deadline, Green was part of a three-team trade that involved the Los Angeles Clippers and sent him to the Houston Rockets. On Sunday, The Athletic reported that Green agreed to a contract buyout with the Rockets.

Depending on how much Green has left in his game following the ACL injury, he is a perfect fit for Cleveland. Green brings postseason and championship experience as he has appeared in 165 postseason games and is a three-time NBA champion — something the Cavs can use down the stretch of the season as well as into the playoffs. He also provides another option on the wing.

“Hypothetically, it could mean a lot,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, who can’t officially comment because it is not official, of adding a player of Green’s caliber. “It’s just there for support. And again, having people that you can lean on and depend on as a young player who’s going to be in situations that maybe they’ve never been in before. Someone who, again, is about the team and who just wants to fit in and be a part of the group. You can use that experience, and you listen to those guys. Guys who have been to the mountaintop and won championships and played in those types of games.

“But then, you obviously have the ability to put that guy on the floor, who’s still capable of making shots and guarding his position, which, we know, in the playoffs is a premium.”

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich also knows what Green brings to the table from experience. Green spent eight seasons in San Antonio.

“A guy that is a very confident shooter, an underrated defender and a great teammate,” Popovich said of Green. “He’s fun to be around. He loves playing the game and he understands his role completely. He’ll fit right in.”

Danny Green will sign a one-year, $2 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers after he clears waivers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 12, 2023

There is an important factor with any addition to the Cavs roster, though. Bickerstaff has found his eight-to-nine-man rotation, and they are building a level of consistency with that group as of late now that their roster is fully healthy. The Cavs are currently on a seven-game winning streak after they beat the Spurs 117-109 Monday night.

He likes the offensive and defensive balance that his starting five and bench rotation brings. With his starting unit – which consists of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen – Bickerstaff sees the balance of scoring on the offensive end of the floor. The guys that come off the bench complement the starters and fill a role, while also allowing the offense to continue to tick. Defensively, there is versatility in the rotation. They have guys who can guard multiple positions, switch, lessen a specific matchup and can force opponents into difficult shots.

So Bickerstaff said any player coming to Cleveland he would have an early conversation with about the role and what to expect.

“I think what we are going through now and in that conversation would be, we’re trending in a really good direction, and we have to figure the balance between continuing with the group that has started to head that way and how you mix in a piece that could possibly help you down the road,” Bickerstaff said. “We will be very ginger with that because we do not want to disrupt the rhythm of what these guys are finding right now.”

Popovich knows Green still brings value to a team, no matter his minutes on the floor.

“Sure, you know that just logically,” Popovich said. “He’s going to say things. It will be great for J.B. to have another person there that’s been through all sorts of different situations. He’ll talk to somebody on the bus or on the plane. It’s just like osmosis. He’ll provide a lot of information that all the coaches won’t have time for, or they’ll be happy that they have an additional “coach” that kind of knows what’s going on. It’s all good, for sure.”

Mitchell tweeted Sunday, following the news of Green nearing a deal with the Cavs, a clip of Green dancing on the sideline in a Cavs uniform, welcoming him back to Cleveland. Green was drafted by Cleveland as a second-round pick in 2009 and played 20 games as a rookie before he was waived at the beginning of the following season.

To Mitchell, where the Cavs could benefit most from the caliber of Green’s addition would be his shooting. Green is a career 39.9 percent 3-point shooter.

“He is a guy I grew up watching,” Mitchell said. “I remember watching him dancing on the bench with Bron and whatnot. I remember him watching him against the Heat, breaking Ray Allen’s three-point record. I hated him at the time. But I’ve known Danny and his family since I was probably 11 years old, 12 years old. We’ve played against AAU against his brother. I know his dad. So it’s kind of crazy how life works. A lot of things come full circle, especially for me this year. A lot of childhood things are starting to come back.

“But I think the first thing you think of is his way to space to the floor, but also his veteran presence around the locker room, calming presence, great personality. But when he gets in, he is a sniper, especially in big-time situations. He’s done it year in and year out. So there’s different things you can point to, but the first thing I would say is the shooting. And then also what he brings to our locker room is another veteran presence.”

Cavs and Kevin Love are finalizing a buyout, per

@ShamsCharania
,
@ByJasonLloyd

I am sure the Cavs FO know what they are doing but the decision to not trade Love was strictly a financial decision.

Joins Lebron in LA?