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LeBron Could Land Kevin Love as Free-Agent Plus-One

7/13/2026

Summary

LeBron Pursues Love

LeBron James, a U.S. free agent, could add Kevin Love as a “plus-one,” per insider Jake Fischer.
Love, who finished Utah with 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 37.3 % from three in 37 games, remains unsigned into free agency as the Jazz roster lists 15 players.
Cleveland, Miami and Golden State are destinations where Love would serve as a veteran locker-room leader and occasional three-point shooter, not a core piece.

Summary

Cavaliers Cap Moves

The Cavaliers are $25.3 million under the first apron and $38 million under the second, requiring a trade of players Max Strus and Dennis Schroder to open the $6.1 million veteran-minimum slot for James.
Miami is $10.5 million below the first-apron hard cap, enough to sign James for $7 million while retaining a 14th roster spot.
Golden State could add player Draymond Green for $20-22 million, freeing about $6 million to meet the veteran-minimum exception for James.

History

Historical Context

After the NBA re-established a salary cap in 1984-85 at $4.6 million and the 2011 CBA cut owners’ share of revenue to 51.2 % while adding a luxury-tax apron near $58.5 million, teams must stay below it. In 2023 the Cavaliers exceeded the first apron by $25.3 million and the second by $38 million, forcing moves that now shape LeBron James’ free-agency talks with Miami and Golden State.

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LeBron Pursues Love

LeBron James, a U.S. free agent, could add Kevin Love as a “plus-one,” per insider Jake Fischer.
Love, who finished Utah with 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 37.3 % from three in 37 games, remains unsigned into free agency as the Jazz roster lists 15 players.
Cleveland, Miami and Golden State are destinations where Love would serve as a veteran locker-room leader and occasional three-point shooter, not a core piece.

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