Five-time All-Star forward Kevin Love disagreed with a $1,000 fine levied by the Cavs for an outburst on the bench Dec. 31 in Toronto, prompting an "emotional verbal outburst" directed toward general manager Koby Altman after Saturday's shootaround, Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported.
According to the report posted Saturday night, Love screamed in front of teammates, coaches and front office members that there was "no feel here." The report said Love was disgusted with the organization.
Shortly before 1 p.m., Love posted on Instagram a picture of actor Joaquin Phoenix from the movie "Joker," lifting his lips with his fingers to force a smile. Love's caption said, "Mood."
The Athletic said Love did not like being fined for his actions on the bench during the third quarter in Toronto, where he was spotted by cameras slapping chairs away from the team huddle. According to the report, he asked out of the game to cool off, then when questioned during a timeout what was wrong, he told a Cavs assistant he didn't like the selfish way the first unit was playing.
According to the report, Love raised his voice to Altman at the end of last season and Altman threatened to fine him. Sources told The Athletic that Love responded then, "Go ahead. I have plenty of money."
Altman signed Love to a four-year, $120 million contract extension in the summer of 2018. Love could be traded before the NBA deadline Feb. 7 at 12:30 a.m., but his injury history and high salary might not bring the return the Cavs seek.
