A former teammate of LeBron James is set to hit the open market, but he might be tempted with a move to the New York Knicks.
With NBA free agency now in its final stretch, we are seeing a lot of veteran players sign with teams. Several players are agreeing to buyouts and joining new teams.
After the Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard, the former All-Star had a decision to make. Lillard chose to return to the Portland Trail Blazers.
As for Bradley Beal, he signed with the LA Clippers after his tumultuous stint with the Phoenix Suns ended with a buyout.
Marcus Smart also got bought out by the Wizards. After a talk with Luka Doncic, Smart joined the LA Lakers to team up with him and LeBron James.
But could LeBron James be set for a reunion with a former teammate who is a buyout candidate? It’s possible, but the New York Knicks have something to say about it.
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty ImagesKevin Love targeting Los Angeles or New York move after buyout
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Kevin Love is someone who will agree to a buyout soon. After getting traded to the Utah Jazz in the Norman Powell trade, Love is looking for another chance.
As far as when this buyout will happen, Love will have to figure out his next destination. Fischer named New York and Los Angeles as the two cities he wants to play in.
“The buyout doesn’t typically really get figured out until that next situation is fully determined. I don’t think you’re going to sign the paperwork to give up guaranteed millions of dollars until you have your next situation lined up.
“With Kevin Love, to my understanding, he really only wants to be in the big glamorous markets… New York, a Los Angeles type of situation.”
In New York, the Knicks are the most likely to land Love, given that the Brooklyn Nets are going in a younger direction.
As for Los Angeles, the Clippers are close to being maxed out, and the Lakers are still looking to add to their roster.
LeBron James could convince Kevin Love to reject New York Knicks
If LeBron James wants to reunite with Kevin Love, all he has to do is wait till Love agrees to a buyout and get in touch with him.
While the Knicks might be a tempting destination, the opportunity to reunite with LeBron James, a player he won a championship with, could be too good to turn down for Kevin Love.
Love and James experienced four strong years together as teammates on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The two stars went to the NBA Finals four years in a row. The two are still friends to this day.
Could Love be a strong contributor to the LA Lakers? Well, there would be some concern about the fit, given that Maxi Kleber plays a similar role.
On top of that, the Lakers would have to acquire Love by waiving another player. Or they would need to make a trade and shed some salary so as not to hit their hard cap.