While many expected the Cleveland Cavaliers to rebuild after LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, it appears the franchise is set on building around a new star.
On Tuesday, the Cavaliers agreed to a four-year extension with power forward Kevin Love. The 29-year-old had two seasons left on his current deal (wht an opt out after next season), but will now be under contract for five seasons.
ESPN reporting with @WindhorstESPN: Cavaliers forward Kevin Love has signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension — topping out his overall deal at five-years, $145 million, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 24, 2018
After the extension, the All-Star forward’s contract will pay him $145 million over the next five seasons.
The decision comes as a surprise given reports earlier this month that Cleveland was open to moving Love after LeBron left.
Now it seems the Cavaliers are prepared for a future centered around Love and point guard Collin Sexton, who the team drafted with the No. 8 overall pick. While the Cavaliers won’t achieve the same success they had with LeBron, Sexton and Love should help this team stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.