Kevin Love announced he will return to the Cavaliers next season, with the 26-year-old power forward reportedly agreeing to a five-year deal worth US$110 million to remain in Cleveland.
Love, obtained last year from Minnesota in a major trade, suffered a separated left shoulder in the first round of the NBA play-offs and could only watch as the Cavaliers lost to Golden State in the NBA Finals.
I'm going back to Cleveland ... We have unfinished business and now it's time to get back to work
Kevin Love
"I'm going back to Cleveland," Love said on the Players' Tribune website. "We're all on the same page and we're all in. We have unfinished business and now it's time to get back to work."
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Love's announcement came on the first day of free agency for the 2015-16 campaign.
Players can talk terms with clubs and make deals, but no contracts can be signed until July 9, meaning most news will come from reports and unnamed sources until confirmations come next week.
Love had the opportunity to walk away from Cleveland but opted to stay on. Photo: AP
Love had opted out of a deal that would have paid him US$16.7 million next season to test the free agent waters, but ESPN reported he was cashing in for a maximum money deal with Cleveland.
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After years wishing he could play for title contenders, Love was not unhappy accepting a reduced role to play for a team who were a championship threat.
