Kevin Love unlikely to return before All-Star break

Kevin Love is not expected back on the court with the Cavaliers until after the NBA All-Star break.

Kevin Love has been on the bench for most of the 2020-21 NBA season. The Cleveland Cavaliers forward appeared in a total of two games before leaving with a calf injury. He has not returned since.

The NBA All-Star break is approaching and the Cavaliers have two games early in the week before getting the much-needed time off. While Love has been practicing, he will reportedly not return until after the break. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com called a potential return before then “unlikely.”

Kevin Love remains out until the second half

Holding Love out for the next two games makes perfect sense. There is no need to bring him back, only to essentially shut him down again for well over a week. He can continue training at his current pace and hopefully be fresh to play when the Cavs are back on the court March 12 in New Orleans.

Love is a weird player on this Cleveland team. He is getting paid max money, but has had trouble staying healthy and doesn’t make much sense on a rebuilding team. However, the money and his health are top reasons why trading him is an extremely difficult thing to do.

The hopeful core of the future in Cleveland features Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro and Jarrett Allen. Love is already 32 years old and was originally brought in as a sidekick for LeBron James. The former All-Star has been openly angry at his teammates at times during the post-James days and doesn’t appear to be thrilled on this young, rebuilding team.

Love has two years remaining on his deal, and the Cavs should be calling around seeking out trades. That may be impossible this season, but as time goes on, he becomes a more likely trade candidate.

The Cavaliers can compete for a play-in playoff spot if Love can return and play at his usual rate. The question for the team is if they want to strive for that goal, or if the front office wants to end up with another high lottery pick.