Kevin Love will receive $120 million over the next four years following the 2018-2019 season and be the Cleveland Cavaliers’ primary scorer.
Yes, Love has been nothing but a true professional in his four years with Cleveland. He’s been a double-double machine, an All-Star for the last two years, and has already demonstrated leadership ability back in Minnesota.
All of this is true.
However, the signing was a play for the middle rather than a step towards the top.
Congratulations, you finished seventh!
In securing Love for the next five years, the Cavs do many things: they protect themselves from reliving 2011’s collapse, they keep a star player who can make Cleveland more attractive to free agents, and they provide their young prospects a chance to develop within a functional offense.