The Cleveland Cavaliers are still in danger of losing Kevin Love via free agency until the All-Star power forward agrees to sign a new contract to stay and extend his partnership with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report indicated that Love could be the best free agent available next summer, but he also conceded that the 26-year-old power forward will likely stay put.
The Cavaliers are in a good position to keep Love because they are the only team who can offer a maximum five-year contract to the former UCLA standout.
Previous reports also indicated that the Cavaliers got a long-term commitment from Love before they agreed to finalize the blockbuster deal that sent the six-year veteran to Cleveland in exchange for promising prospects Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett along with a 2015 first-round pick.
But in the event Love decides to test free agency, Favale predicted that several big-market teams will challenge the Cavaliers in their bid to keep the Santa Monica, California native in Cleveland.
"In all likelihood, he's staying put," Favale said of Love. "Still, if his plan is to opt out, there will be a courting frenzy. Big-market squads such as the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and Lakers could all have cap space to burn, and the 26-year-old is the type of player to burn it on."
Love, a three-time NBA All-Star, averaged 17.5 points and 15.0 rebounds to go along with 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals in his first two games as a Cleveland Cavalier.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are still pinning their hopes on Ray Allen, who is expected to improve the Cavs' title chances if he decides to join James and Love in Cleveland.
However, in an interview with the Florida Sun Sentinel, Allen said that he is not planning to make a decision anytime soon, saying that he is still monitoring the situation in the league.
"I'm working out, taking care of my body. I'm in great shape. I'll just watch how the season progresses, and if I do feel the desire to continue to play, then I'll decide what situation is viable for me," Allen said.
Allen, who averaged 9.6 points and 2.8 rebounds with the Miami Heat last season, also reportedly received calls from the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers.
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