The drama of the LeBron James era may be gone, but the Cavaliers' boldness and pursuit of success is not.
Owner Dan Gilbert decided to build the franchise around Kevin Love, signing the five-time All-Star power forward to a reported four-year, $120 million contract extension on Tuesday.
The deal was culminated in imaginative fashion, with Love putting his signature to paper in front of a group of construction workers and general manager Koby Altman inside Quicken Loans Arena. Video of the ceremony was later posted on social media.
"I love our future," Altman said, introducing Love with the perfect double entendre.
Gilbert thumbed his nose at those who suggested the franchise should go into tank mode after the July 1 departure of four-time league MVP James for the Los Angeles Lakers. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst, the Cavs have committed $145 million to Love over five years.
According to that report, Love opted out of the final year of his current contract and will make $24.1 million next season, followed by salaries of $28.9 million, $31.3 million for 2020-21 and 2021-22 and $28.8 million in 2022-23.
"The @cavs franchise is proud to extend 5-time all-star and NBA champion @kevinlove four additional years," Gilbert tweeted. "KLove has been nothing but class since he arrived in CLE in 2014. We look forward to his leadership and the exciting years ahead. We grind every day. Just like CLEVELAND."
Love, 29, was enthused during the ceremony at the Q, undergoing a $140 million transformation slated for completion in September 2019.
"Just really excited," Love told the crowd. "Obviously humbled. I'd like to thank the Cleveland Cavaliers organization, Dan Gilbert, obviously Koby for having that trust in me and believing in our future. When I got traded here a few years back, I was committed to being here long term, I was committed to our culture, excellence in playing the game of basketball. I think who we have on our team and who we have moving forward really reflects that. Very excited. I hope that you guys are, too.
"I want to say one thing about the fans. I know we've been to four straight Finals and have been a little bit spoiled. I'm hoping you guys will grow with us through these years. Whether you're sitting in the front row, whether you're watching at home, whether you're in Loudville up top, we love you and we have loved you since Day 1. I hope that is reflected in the way that we play. We love you guys and we're going to keep moving forward."
Love thanked the workers and said he planned to put on a hard hat to see the improvements to the arena.
"This is an important day for this franchise and for this city. Kevin really wants to be here," Altman said.
In a statement, Altman said, "This quickly became a partnership the second we began these discussions. Collaboration and winning matter greatly to Kevin and that was reflected in this extension. Kevin's talent and character are both at a very high level and he has earned his role at the center of what we want to do moving forward. As a five-time All-Star and NBA champion, Kevin has a special understanding of exactly what success and winning require."
Love reiterated on June 7 before Game 4 of the Finals against the Warriors that he "always wanted to be here" and made good on those words Tuesday.
The Cavs also showed faith in Love, who has not played a full 82 games since he arrived in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers on Aug. 23, 2014. Last season Love played 59 games, suffering a broken hand for the third time in his 10-year career. He also missed Game 7 of the conference finals at Boston with a concussion.
But in the absence of James, the Cavs regard Love as a dependable 20-10 man who can also serve as a leader in a locker room that includes rookie point guard Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr., the latter two arriving in a Feb. 8 trade with the Lakers. The Cavs could also re-sign restricted free agent Rodney Hood, acquired from the Jazz at the deadline. Last season's rookies Cedi Osman and Ante Zizic could also earn rotation roles.
Averaging 17.6 points and 9.3 rebounds last season, Love was one of four players in the league to make at least 100 3-pointers and average nine rebounds, joining Karl-Anthony Towns, Nikola Jokic and DeMarcus Cousins. Love recorded 31 double-doubles and totaled 17 games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.
As a Cav, Love has averaged 17.1 points and 10 rebounds in 271 games.
