3 biggest free agent mistakes in Cleveland Cavaliers history

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Jan 2, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) celebrates after guard Donovan Mitchell (not pictured) hit a three point basket during overtime against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Cavaliers biggest free-agent mistakes: 2. Kevin Love

After LeBron James left for Cleveland, the Cavs wanted to keep at least some talent in Cleveland no matter the long-term outcome. Love would sign a long-term deal for four years and $120 million. This contract was a clear overpay at the time. After the first two years of the deal, Love’s play declined heavily.

In the last year of his deal, he was playing out of the rotation and wanted out of Cleveland. He ended up getting bought out in the final year of the deal. He is currently excelling for the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. The former star has been playing a lot better in a reduced role for the title contender where he is able to create efficient offense for the Heat.

Love is a Cleveland legend and will have his number retired by the Cavs, but the reaction to LeBron leaving led the Cavs to one of their worst contracts of all time. The optics of the situation certainly forced the Cavs to extend the former All-Star but signing him to a contract that was near the max for four long years was not the brightest idea.

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